LeBron James is formally leaving the Lakers after eight seasons, and he posted a touching message on social media thanking the Lakers
LeBron James is not a Los Angeles Laker after eight seasons that included one NBA championship and extra milestones than most gamers gather in a full profession.
James knowledgeable the Lakers by his agent, Wealthy Paul, that he intends to signal with a brand new crew for the 2026-27 season, ending an period that started when he surprised the basketball world by leaving Cleveland for L.A. again in 2018.
The Lakers responded with a farewell message from governor Jeanie Buss, who known as James one of many biggest athletes in historical past and thanked him for the title he delivered in the course of the COVID-19 bubble in 2020, in keeping with ESPN.
James answered hours in a while social media, writing, “No, THANK YOU! Actually a honor to put on the purple and gold whereas attempting to proceed the greatness and legacies that got here earlier than me. Hope I made just a few proud throughout my stint.”
No, THANK YOU! Actually a honor to put on the 💜💛 whereas attempting to persevering with the greatness & legacies that got here earlier than me! Hope I made just a few proud throughout my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026
Luka Doncic, who now inherits full management of the franchise, posted his personal tribute on Instagram, calling it an honor to play with and be taught from James though their time collectively on the court docket was quick.
Magic Johnson additionally chimed in, thanking James and Wealthy Paul for trusting the Lakers again in 2018 and crediting him with constructing a complete new period in Los Angeles that included that 2020 title run, delivered contained in the NBA’s Orlando bubble in the course of the peak of the pandemic.
Hip-Hop’s relationship with James goes again years, and the tradition has proven up for him loads of occasions earlier than this information broke.
Jay-Z as soon as toasted James on the evening he handed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring document, with Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg all exhibiting as much as have a good time proper alongside Rihanna.
The Golden State Warriors are thought of the early frontrunner to land him, with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Warmth additionally lurking as choices, per CBS Sports activities.
Wealthy Paul informed ESPN the choice is a happiness-led one, which means cash won’t be the deciding consider choosing James’ subsequent crew.
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