The LeBron James era at the Los Angeles Lakers is officially coming to an end with the 41-year-old free agent announcing his intention to join another team this offseason.
After news of James’ departure broke, the Lakers broke their silence on social media to pay tribute to the four-time NBA champion.
Los Angeles Lakers React to News of LeBron James’ Departure
James will be returning for a 24th season in the NBA, but he will not be donning the purple and gold for the Lakers. To maximize his chances of contending for the NBA championship in what could well be his final season in the league, James has decided to seek pastures new and will leave the Lakers as a free agent this offseason.
With the news marking the end of an era in Los Angeles, the franchise was quick to thank James for eight momentous
Lakers owner and governor Jeanie Buss thanked James in a statement and hailed his efforts in the team’s 2020 NBA championship, which came in the bubble at Walt Disney World, Florida during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Lakers ended their NBA championship drought with James in 2020. However, they haven’t made the NBA Finals since.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. 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 in a statement shared by the Lakers on social media.
Buss also wished James the best for his future, both on and off the court.
“We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family,” she added.
Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026
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James is now weighing his options on his next destination, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors firmly in the bid for his signature. A return to his hometown for a third spell would make for a fantastic story, and the all-time scoring leader may also be tempted by the prospect of teaming up with longtime rivals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State.
The Miami Heat, where James won two of his four NBA title,s has also been mentioned as a possible destination.
