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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 offseason after he and the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed he will leave the team after eight seasons.
ESPN initially reported that James informed the Lakers on Tuesday that he would be leaving the team for his 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 offered a statement thanking James, and it doesn’t appear the two parties are ending 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 title he led us to in 2020 under the toughest circumstances imaginable and the countless records he broke in purple and gold,” said Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. “We wish him all the best in the future, both on and off the court. He will always be a beloved part of the Lakers family.”
James echoed the Lakers’ statement and shared his own sentiments.
LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE IN FREE AGENT AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORT
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half of Game 4 of the first-round NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
“No, THANK YOU! Truly an honor to wear (purple and gold) as I try to continue the greatness and legacy that came before me!” he said. “Hope I did a few proud during my stay.”
During his tenure with the Lakers, James won his fourth NBA Championship, extended his record All-Star streak to 22 years and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer – another record he continues to extend.
The Lakers reportedly wanted James back, but the four-time MVP was ready — even with his son, Bronny, on the team. The Jameses became the first father-son duo to not only be teammates in the NBA, but also be active at the same time.
It’s worth noting that Bronny’s salary of more than $2.3 million became fully guaranteed on Monday.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 after another stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he finally brought a championship to the Ohio city after 52 years.
James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season, helping the Lakers win a playoff series while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves nursed injuries.
Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles, California, March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
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The Golden State Warriors are currently the favorites to land James, which would make a rivalry between him and Stephen Curry one of the most star-driven dynamic duos in sports history.
