LeBron James spent eight years carrying the weight of the most storied franchise in basketball. On Tuesday afternoon, James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he would not be returning for the 2026-27 season.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss posted a tribute on the team’s official account, and James responded directly, closing out his Los Angeles chapter with a message of his own.
LeBron James Pens Heartfelt Message to Lakers Franchise
“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.
Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026
James responded soon after, flipping the gratitude back at the organization that brought him to Los Angeles in 2018.
“No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the [purple and gold] while trying to continue the greatness and legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint,” James wrote.
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026
The exchange closes out a relationship that was not without its bumps along the way. There have been many questions about the relationship between James and Buss, especially after a recent report from ESPN’s Baxter Holmes about how things deteriorated.
James brushed off the report at the time, telling reporters he did not “really care about articles” and that his focus remained on representing the franchise “with the utmost respect, honor, and dignity.”
Buss pushed back publicly as well, calling it unfair that James was pulled into what she described as family drama.
Whatever tension existed behind the scenes, both sides chose a graceful exit. James’ eight years in Los Angeles included a championship inside the NBA bubble in 2020, a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, and the franchise’s first NBA Cup title.
He was also a Laker when he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and he became the first player in league history to suit up in a 23rd professional season, doing so at 41 years old.
James is widely expected to draw interest from the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and other contenders as free agency opens this evening. Now, all eyes will be on where the NBA legend lands for what could be his final season in the league.
