NBA legend LeBron James has bid farewell to the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, ending his championship-winning era with the franchise as he prepares to continue his career with a new team in a record-setting 24th NBA season.
James grateful for eight years with Lakers
Responding to a farewell tribute from Lakers governor Jeanie Buss on X, the 41-year-old superstar thanked the organisation for giving him the opportunity to become part of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
“No, thank you,” James wrote.
“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.”
A historic Lakers chapter
“King James” is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning four NBA championships, four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and four NBA Finals MVP honours.
He joined the Lakers in 2018 and led the team to their 17th NBA title in 2020 by defeating the Miami Heat in six games inside the league’s COVID-19 “bubble” in Orlando.
During his eight seasons with Los Angeles, James averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.
He also became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and finished his Lakers tenure as the league’s career leader in points, minutes played, games played and seasons played.
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Lakers, teammates pay tribute
In a post on X, Buss thanked James for his contributions to the franchise, hailing him as “one of the greatest athletes in history.”
“We will always be thankful for 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.
“We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be cherished as part of the Lakers family.”
James also received messages from his current teammates following the announcement.
Luka Dončić, who played alongside James for a season and a half after joining the Lakers in a blockbuster trade in 2025, wrote on social media: “An honour to play with and learn from you.”
Forward Jake LaRavia also paid tribute, writing on his Instagram Story: “Grateful for the opportunity to play alongside @kingjames,” along with a goat emoji.
Lakers legend Magic Johnson, who helped bring James to Los Angeles in 2018 as the team’s president of basketball operations, also shared a message of appreciation, thanking James and his agent Rich Paul for signing with the franchise.
Where could ‘King James’ land next?
Although James has not yet announced his plans for the 2026-27 NBA season, several teams have emerged as potential landing spots for the four-time NBA champion.
The Golden State Warriors are widely viewed as the leading contender, with reports suggesting the prospect of James joining fellow veteran Stephen Curry in another title pursuit.
A return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where James delivered the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2016, has also been floated.
The Miami Heat, where James won two NBA titles, and the Los Angeles Clippers have likewise been mentioned as possible destinations.
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Elan Castanares