LeBron thanks Lakers after team praises him ahead of free agency departure
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A fourth chapter is on the horizon for LeBron James.
The soon-to-be 42-year-old will truly test free agency for the third time this summer after he and the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed he will be leaving the team after eight seasons.
ESPN first reported that James informed the Lakers on Tuesday that he would be leaving the team for an unprecedented 24th NBA season.
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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California on October 6, 2024. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Following the reports, the Lakers released a statement thanking James, and it doesn’t look like either side will end their relationship on bad terms.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers, including the championship he brought us to under the most challenging circumstances imaginable in 2020 and the countless records he set in the purple and gold,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said. “We wish him the best in the future, both on and off the court. He will always be a valuable part of the Lakers family.”
James reposted the Lakers’ statement and shared his own feelings.
LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE FREE AGENT AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORT
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks in the second half during Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
“No, THANK YOU! It is truly an honor to wear (purple and gold) as I seek to continue the greatness and legacies that have come before me!” he said. “I hope I made a few people proud during my tenure.”
During his tenure with the Lakers, James won his fourth NBA championship, extended his All-Star streak to a record 22 years, and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer; This is another record that he continues to expand.
The Lakers reportedly wanted James back, but the four-time MVP was ready, even with his son. Bronny is on the team. The Jameses became the first father-son duo to not only be teammates but also active in the NBA.
It’s worth noting that Bronny’s salary of over $2.3 million became fully guaranteed on Monday.
After playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time, James joined the Lakers in 2018 and finally brought a championship to Ohio City after 52 years.
While James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season, helping the Lakers win the play-off series, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were recovering from their injuries.
Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up the court in the second half against the Washington Wizards on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
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The Golden State Warriors are currently the favorites to land James, which would transform the rivalry between James and Stephen Curry into one of the most dynamic star-powered duos in sports history.
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