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LeBron James to play 24th NBA season, leaves Lakers

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • LeBron James will begin his 24th NBA season but will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
  • James expressed honor in his time with the Lakers, who thanked him for his eight years, including a 2020 championship and numerous records.
  • The league's all-time leading scorer became a free agent after the Lakers' playoff exit, with speculation about his next team including Cleveland, Miami, or Golden State.

NBA superstar LeBron James is set to embark on an unprecedented 24th season in the league, but he will not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The announcement came as free agency opened, marking a significant shift for the league. James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, shared his gratitude on social media, stating, "Truly an honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continue the greatness and legacies that came before me." He added, "Hope I made a few proud during my stint."

Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss confirmed James's departure after eight years with the team. "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," Buss stated. "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."

Truly an 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.

— LeBron JamesOn social media after announcing his departure from the Lakers.

James joined the Lakers in 2018, leading them to their 17th championship in 2020 during the unique NBA "bubble" environment. His agent, Rich Paul, informed the Lakers of James's decision as a courtesy ahead of the free agency period, which began Tuesday evening.

While James has not officially signed with a new team, speculation links him to a potential return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat, both of which he previously led to championships. Another possibility is joining Stephen Curry on the Golden State Warriors, a move that would reunite two of the league's biggest stars who faced each other in four consecutive NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018.

Despite nearing the end of his career, James remained highly effective in his 23rd season, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, and 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists in the playoffs.

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.

— Jeanie BussIn a statement confirming LeBron James's departure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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