arts
LeBron James to leave Lakers, play elsewhere in 24th NBA season, team confirms
By Austin Turner at CBS4 Miami
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
LeBron James, widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history, will leave the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2026-2027 season, the team confirmed.The 41-year-old free agent spent eight seasons on the team and led the franchise to its 17th NBA championship during the pandemic-alte
Key takeaway We will always be thankful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest imaginable circumstances and the countless records he broke in purple and gold," Buss said.
Why this matters in The Miami
LeBron James' departure from the Los Angeles Lakers may seem like a distant development to Miami residents, but it's worth noting that James has a significant history in the city. His time with the Miami Heat, from 2011 to 2014, was marked by two NBA championships and a lasting impact on the team's legacy. The "Heatles" era, as it came to be known, cemented Miami's status as a major player in the NBA and helped establish the city as a hub for top talent. As James considers his next move, Miami fans may wonder if he could potentially return to the Heat, although it's unclear if that's a possibility. Regardless, James' connection to Miami and its basketball community ensures that his future plans will be closely watched by local fans, who still remember his dominant performances in a Heat jersey.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LeBron James, widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history, will leave the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2026-2027 season, the team confirmed.The 41-year-old free agent spent eight seasons on the team and led the franchise to its 17th NBA championship during the pandemic-alte
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Austin Turner at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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