LeBron James is thanking the Los Angeles Lakers after ending an eight-year run with the franchise, closing a chapter that included an NBA championship, historic milestones and one of the most successful stretches of his Hall of Fame career.
The four-time NBA champion addressed fans Tuesday, June 30, hours after news broke that he informed the Lakers he would not return for the 2026-27 season. James’ public statement came after Lakers owner Jeanie Buss shared a farewell message recognizing his impact on the organization.
His response marked the first time the NBA’s all-time leading scorer publicly commented on his departure.
James Thanks Lakers Organization
Buss praised James for his accomplishments in Los Angeles and expressed gratitude for his time with the franchise.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Buss wrote. “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 quickly responded beneath the Lakers’ post with a heartfelt message of his own.
“No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑,” he wrote.
The exchange served as a respectful conclusion to one of the most significant player-franchise partnerships in recent NBA history.
James joined the Lakers in 2018 after previous championship-winning stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. During his eight seasons in Los Angeles, he helped return the franchise to championship contention and guided the team to the 2020 NBA title inside the league’s COVID-19 bubble.
His Lakers tenure also included another historic accomplishment. James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while wearing a Lakers uniform, further cementing his legacy in league history.
Free Agency Decision Shifts NBA Landscape
News of James’ departure was first confirmed Tuesday by ESPN through Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that James informed the Lakers he intends to continue playing during the 2026-27 season, but with another franchise.
According to Charania, James notified the organization before free agency officially opened.
“LeBron James will continue his NBA career for the 2026-27 season and has informed the Los Angeles Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN,” Charania reported.
He added, “Lakers president Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul spoke a short time ago about the four-time champion’s plans, sources said. James chose to inform the Lakers well before start of free agency tonight out of courtesy and appreciation for their run together, and to allow LA to conduct its offseason business.”
While James has not announced his next destination, speculation continues across the league. The Golden State Warriors have emerged as one of the teams frequently mentioned in reports, though no agreement has been confirmed.
Fans flooded social media following James’ statement, thanking him for his contributions to the franchise. Many also expressed confidence that his No. 23 jersey will eventually hang in the rafters at Crypto.com Arena.