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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 will 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 his 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 offered a statement thanking James, and it does not appear that both parties are ending their relationship on bad terms.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes ever. 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,” said Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. “We wish him all the best in the future, both on and off the court. He will always be a beloved part of the Lakers family.”
James reposted the Lakers’ statement and shared his own feelings.
LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE AGENCY FREE AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORT
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James makes a dunk during the second half of Game 4 of their NBA first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)
“No, THANK YOU! It is truly an honor to wear the (purple and gold) as I try to carry on the greatness and legacies that came before me!” said. “I hope I’ve made some people proud during my time.”
During his time with the Lakers, James won his fourth NBA championship, extended his record All-Star streak to 22 years, and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, 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 Jameses became the first father-son duo who are not only teammates in the NBA, but also active at the same time.
It’s worth noting that Bronny’s salary of more than $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 brought a championship to 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 suffered injuries.
Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up 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 land James, which would turn the rivalry between him and Stephen Curry into one of the most star-studded dynamic duos in sports history.
