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LeBron James to leave Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, having helped them win the 2020 NBA title.
  • The 41-year-old superstar is expected to continue his career with another NBA franchise, with the Golden State Warriors reportedly a target.
  • James expressed gratitude for his time with the Lakers, calling it an honor to wear their colors and continue legacies.

LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, is departing the Los Angeles Lakers after an eight-season tenure. The 41-year-old superstar confirmed his exit from the franchise before the upcoming 2026-27 season.

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 most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.

— Jeanie BussLakers governor Jeanie Buss reflects on LeBron James's impact and legacy with the team.

During his time with the Lakers, James was instrumental in securing the 2020 NBA championship, marking the franchise's first title in a decade. He also broke numerous records while playing in Los Angeles. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss expressed deep gratitude, stating, "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 most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold."

He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.

— Jeanie BussBuss emphasizes James's enduring connection to the Lakers organization.

James, who began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, is now a free agent. Reports suggest the Golden State Warriors are a potential suitor, possibly offering a contract worth around $15 million per year. Despite his immense career earnings and a net worth estimated at $1.4 billion, James reportedly prioritizing happiness over finances in his next move.

It was an honor to wear the colors of the Lakers while continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.

— LeBron JamesJames expresses his feelings about his time with the Lakers and his aspirations.

Reflecting on his departure, James posted on X (formerly Twitter), "It was an honor to wear the colors of the Lakers while continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint." He had previously mentioned in an interview that his future decisions would be made thoughtfully, stating, "Nobody has any idea what the future holds, and I don't either."

Nobody has any idea what the future holds, and I don't either.

— LeBron JamesJames discusses the uncertainty surrounding his future career decisions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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