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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 would be leaving the team after eight seasons.
ESPN initially reported that James informed the Lakers on Tuesday that he would be leaving the team for its unprecedented 24th NBA season.
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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers greets 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 released a statement thanking James, and it does not appear that 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 most difficult circumstances imaginable and the countless records he broke in purple and gold,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said. “We wish him all the best for the future, both on and off the court. He will always be a valued member of the Lakers family.”
James reposted the Lakers’ statement and shared his own feelings.
LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE TO FREE AGENCY AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORT
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
“No, THANK YOU! It’s truly an honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to carry on the greatness and legacy that came before me!” he said. “I hope I made a few proud during my time.”
During his tenure with the Lakers, James won his fourth NBA championship, extended his All-Star record streak to 22 years and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer – yet 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 James 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 over $2.3 million became fully guaranteed on Monday.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 after a second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers in which he finally won a championship in 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 the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
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The Golden State Warriors are currently the favorites to sign James, which would turn a rivalry between him and Stephen Curry into one of the most featured dynamic duos in sports history.
