LeBron James will play a 24th NBA season, but it will not be with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The four-time NBA champion has informed the Lakers that he intends to continue his career elsewhere, bringing an end to an eight-year spell with the franchise.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 and helped lead the team to the 2020 NBA title, while also climbing into the upper reaches of several franchise statistical categories.
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss paid tribute to the 41-year-old following confirmation of his departure.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Buss said.
“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.
“We wish him all the best in the future, both on the court and off. He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”
James also addressed Lakers supporters on social media, describing it as “truly an honor” to wear the franchise’s colours and saying he hoped he had made fans proud during his time in Los Angeles.
Warriors among teams linked with move
With free agency set to begin, attention has already turned to where James could play next.
Reports suggest the Golden State Warriors are preparing a push to sign the veteran forward, while his former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, are also expected to explore the possibility of bringing him in.
The Warriors have created additional financial flexibility after Draymond Green declined his player option, fuelling speculation that the franchise could attempt to assemble another championship-contending roster around Stephen Curry.
There is also the possibility of a reunion between James and former Lakers team-mate Anthony Davis if Golden State complete a separate move for the Washington Wizards centre.
Hall of Fame career enters new chapter
James departs Los Angeles after establishing himself among the most productive players ever to wear a Lakers uniform.
During his eight seasons with the team, he finished in the franchise’s top 10 for points, assists and field goals made, while ranking second in three-pointers converted.
Although injuries limited him to 60 regular-season appearances last season, he still earned All-Star honours after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game.
He remained a major contributor in the playoffs, increasing his scoring average and helping guide the Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first round.
James’ record streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections ended last season, but he continues to perform at a level rarely seen from a player approaching his 42nd birthday.
His departure also marks the end of a brief partnership with Luka Doncic, who paid tribute on social media.
“It was an honor to play with and learn from you,” Doncic wrote.
