LOS ANGELES, United States — NBA superstar LeBron James has confirmed he will return for a record-extending 24th season but will not be doing so in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, ending an eight-year tenure that included a championship and countless records.
The 41-year-old informed the Lakers of his decision as free agency opened, with his agent Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, communicating to ESPN that James would play elsewhere next season. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss released a statement thanking James for his historic run with the franchise. “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,” Buss said.
James, who will turn 42 in December, ends his longest uninterrupted stint with a single franchise since joining the Lakers in 2018. During his time in Los Angeles, he led the team to the 2020 NBA championship, won an NBA Finals MVP, and became the league’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in February 2023. He is the only player in Lakers history to average 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game in more than five consecutive seasons, achieving that mark in all eight of his seasons with the team.
James is entering free agency after a season where he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, shooting 51.5 percent from the field. Despite missing the first month due to sciatica, he remained effective in the playoffs, averaging 23.2 points and leading a depleted Lakers squad past the Houston Rockets in the first round while Luka Doncic was sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Multiple teams are expected to pursue James, with the Golden State Warriors among the frontrunners. Sources told ESPN that the Warriors plan to recruit James, potentially reuniting him with former USA Olympic teammate Stephen Curry. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, both franchises James led to championships, are also considered potential landing spots. The San Antonio Spurs, who possess the 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama, have also been mentioned as a possible destination.
James responded to the Lakers’ farewell message on social media, writing, “No, THANK YOU! Truly an honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
The departure marks the end of an era for the Lakers, who now face the challenge of rebuilding without their franchise cornerstone. James leaves Los Angeles as one of the most decorated players in franchise history, having delivered a championship and elevated the team’s global profile during his tenure.
As free agency begins, all eyes will be on James’s next move. The Warriors, Cavaliers, and Heat are among the teams vying for his services, each offering a unique opportunity to add to his already legendary career. Wherever he lands, James will undoubtedly continue to make history and add to his remarkable legacy. For now, the basketball world awaits the next chapter in the career of one of the greatest players to ever grace the court.
