LeBron James is departing the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, the franchise confirmed Tuesday, ending a tenure that included the 2020 NBA championship and saw the league’s all-time leading scorer break multiple records in purple and gold.
James, 41, averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season. He has played alongside his son Bronny, 21, since 2024.
Media reports link the 22-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion to the Golden State Warriors.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” the Lakers said in a statement.
“We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers—including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke. He will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family.”
James responded on social media: “No, THANK YOU!” He called it “truly a honor” to wear the purple and gold and continue “the greatness & legacies that came before me,” adding, “Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
James, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, previously left for the Miami Heat in 2010 via his televised “The Decision,” returned to Cleveland to deliver that franchise’s first title in 2016, and joined the Lakers in 2018.
He helped L.A. win the 2020 bubble championship nine months after the death of Kobe Bryant.
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