LeBron James Career Statistics and Achievements

Quick Answer

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, planning to play a record-setting 24th NBA season with a new team. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists in 70 games during the 2024-25 season, and remains the NBA's all-time leading scorer with over 52,000 career points.

His decision to opt out of his contract marks a major shift in the NBA landscape as he approaches age 42.

Key Facts

• LeBron James played 70 games in the 2024-25 season for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game
• He scored a season-high 42 points on February 6, 2025
• In the 2023-24 season, he played 71 games and averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game
• James has informed the Lakers he will not return for the 2026-27 season, opting out of his contract to become a free agent
• He plans to play his 24th NBA season with another team, extending his record for most seasons played
• LeBron James turned 42 in December 2025 and remains the NBA's all-time leading scorer, surpassing 52,000 career points as of March 2024
• He exercised a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season before deciding to leave

The Decision to Leave Los Angeles

What Led to This Move

LeBron James's departure from the Lakers did not happen overnight. The decision follows a period of organizational tension and limited roster moves.

After the Lakers remained quiet during the 2024 offseason, James revealed his mindset heading into the 2024-25 season, hinting at frustration with the team's inability to secure meaningful upgrades. The Athletic reported in June 2024 that for James to return, the Lakers needed to provide him with meaningful roster improvements.

The 2024-25 season saw James deliver solid individual numbers—24.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists across 70 games—but the Lakers failed to make a deep playoff run. The team was eliminated in the first round, with James playing only five playoff games and averaging 25.4 points.

This early exit likely reinforced his belief that the current roster construction could not contend for a championship.

The Free Agency Process

On a Tuesday in July 2026, LeBron James announced he would not return to the Lakers and would enter free agency. He opted out of his contract, a move that surprised few who had followed the team's stagnation.

Yahoo Sports reported that James plans to continue his career into a record-setting 24th season elsewhere. The timing is significant.

James turned 42 in December 2025, making him one of the oldest players in NBA history to change teams. His decision to leave the Lakers allows him to explore options with teams that can offer both competitive rosters and the financial flexibility to accommodate his salary.

Sources indicate he may be willing to take a pay cut to join a contender, a strategy that could reshape the free agent market.

Why This Matters for the Lakers

The Lakers lose more than just a superstar. James was the focal point of their offense, averaging 2,444 total points in the 2024-25 season.

His 546 rebounds and 575 assists demonstrate his all-around production. Replacing that production will require significant roster reconstruction.

The Lakers must now decide whether to rebuild around younger players or pursue another star in free agency. Without James, the team loses its primary playmaker and scorer.

The front office faces pressure to make moves that keep the franchise competitive, especially given the aging roster and limited draft capital.

Career Statistics That Define Greatness

2023-24 and 2024-25 Seasons

LeBron James's statistical output remains elite even as he enters his mid-40s. The 2023-24 season saw him play 71 games, averaging 35.3 minutes per game.

His 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game reflected remarkable consistency. He shot 54.0 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three-point range, the latter representing a career-best efficiency.

The 2024-25 season showed slight declines but still impressive numbers. James appeared in 70 games, averaging 34.9 minutes.

His scoring dropped to 24.4 points per game, and his shooting percentages slipped to 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three. However, his rebounding increased to 8.2 per game, and his assists remained high at 7.8 per game.

Playoff Performance

In the 2024-25 playoffs, James played five games and averaged 25.4 points per game. The sample size is small, but it indicates that his scoring ability remains effective in high-stakes situations.

The Lakers' early exit meant limited playoff exposure, but James's production in those games showed he can still perform when it matters.

Career Milestones

LeBron James surpassed 52,000 career points as of March 2024, cementing his status as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. This milestone includes both regular season and playoff scoring.

He reached 43,000 regular season points earlier, and the 52,000 total reflects his longevity and consistent high-level production over two decades. The feat is extraordinary.

No other player in NBA history has reached 50,000 career points. James's scoring record, combined with his 8,000-plus career assists and 10,000-plus rebounds, places him in a statistical category entirely his own.

His ability to maintain elite production into his 40s challenges conventional wisdom about athletic decline.

Legacy and the Next Chapter

What LeBron James Has Already Achieved

LeBron James's career statistics tell only part of the story. He has won four NBA championships with three different teams—the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

He has been named NBA Finals MVP four times and regular season MVP four times. His 20 All-Star selections and 19 All-NBA selections are records.

The 2024-25 season added to his legacy. Playing 70 games at age 41 demonstrates remarkable durability.

His 24.4 points per game exceeded expectations for a player his age. The season-high 42-point performance on February 6, 2025, showed he can still dominate when needed.

What Comes Next

James's decision to leave the Lakers and play a 24th season elsewhere represents a new challenge. He will join a third team in his career, following stints with Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles.

The move allows him to chase a fifth championship with a team that can provide the supporting cast the Lakers could not. Several factors will influence his next destination.

Contenders with cap space or trade assets will pursue him. Teams with young stars who need veteran leadership may also be interested.

James's willingness to accept a smaller salary to facilitate roster improvements could make him more attractive to multiple franchises.

The Impact on the NBA

LeBron James's free agency reshapes the league's competitive balance. The Lakers lose their biggest draw, while another team gains a proven winner and box-office attraction.

The NBA's marketing focus will shift as James plays for a new franchise, potentially in a different market. For younger players, James's continued presence provides a benchmark.

His career statistics set standards for longevity and production that will be difficult to match. His decision to leave the Lakers after exercising his option shows that even the most loyal players prioritize winning over comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will LeBron James retire after the 2026-27 season?

There is no public confirmation that James plans to retire after his 24th season. He has stated he wants to play 24 seasons, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.

His decision to enter free agency suggests he is open to continuing if the right situation exists.

Which teams are most likely to sign LeBron James?

No specific teams have been confirmed as destinations. Contenders with cap space or trade assets are natural fits.

Teams with young stars who need veteran leadership may also pursue him. His willingness to take a pay cut could expand the list of potential suitors.

How does LeBron James's 24th season compare to other players?

Playing a 24th NBA season would extend his record for most seasons played. Only a handful of players have reached 20 seasons, and James would be the first to reach 24.

His career statistics at that point would be unmatched in NBA history.

What is LeBron James's career points total?

LeBron James surpassed 52,000 career points as of March 2024. This includes both regular season and playoff scoring.

He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, and no other player has reached 50,000 career points.

Did LeBron James exercise his player option for 2025-26?

Yes. LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season before deciding to leave the Lakers and enter free agency.

This allowed him to control his future and explore options without being tied to the Lakers long-term.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources, including StatMuse, ESPN, The Athletic, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, and other sports news outlets. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.