LeBron James thanks Los Angeles Lakers in farewell message

NBA legend LeBron James thanked the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans as he bid farewell after eight seasons. The 41-year-old star is preparing to enter free agency.

Scraper SystemJuly 01, 2026, 09:45 AM

LeBron James thanks Los Angeles Lakers in farewell message

NBA all-time leading scorer and four-time champion LeBron James thanked the Los Angeles Lakers as he bid farewell after eight seasons with the team. The Lakers organization wished him success as he enters free agency.

The 41-year-old superstar said in a post on his social media account, "Thank you! Wearing this jersey was a true honor as I attempted to carry on the greatness and legacy of those before me. I hope I have made a few people proud in the process."

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement, "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be grateful for his eight-year tenure with the Lakers, especially the championship he brought us in 2020 under the most difficult circumstances and the countless records he set in the purple and gold. We wish him the best in the future, both on and off the court. He will always be a valued part of the Lakers family."

James led the Lakers to the championship in the 2020 NBA Finals held during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last February, he was selected to the All-Star Game for the 22nd consecutive time, setting a league record. He also broke Robert Parish's record for most regular-season games played in March.

As a testament to James's durability, he played in a regular-season game alongside his son Bronny in October 2024, becoming the first father-son duo to appear together in an NBA game. This was an achievement the star player had long listed as one of his goals.

James began his career when he was drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. After seven seasons, he announced his move to the Miami Heat in a live broadcast called "The Decision," drawing significant backlash. In Miami, he won two championships as part of a super team alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Returning to Cleveland in 2014, James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in 2016, coming back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors. In 2018, he left the team again to join the Lakers, beginning his first stint in the Western Conference.

With the opening of free agency as of Tuesday, which team James will join has become the most highly anticipated topic in the NBA.

LeBron James thanks Los Angeles Lakers in farewell message

NBA legend LeBron James thanked the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans as he bid farewell after eight seasons. The 41-year-old star is preparing to enter free agency.