sports
LeBron James Tells Lakers He Will Leave After Eight Seasons
LeBron James told the Los Angeles Lakers he is departing after eight years. The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in his final season with the team.
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LeBron James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he is leaving the franchise, ESPN reported. His departure ends an eight-year tenure that began when he signed with the team from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018. James led the Lakers to the NBA championship in 2020 and earned his fourth Finals MVP award that year.
He passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA's all-time scoring record in February 2023. The Lakers reached the playoffs in six of his eight seasons. James is the only player in franchise history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game across more than five consecutive seasons, according to ESPN Research.
He posted those averages in each of his eight seasons with the team. " Magic Johnson thanked James and agent Rich Paul for the 2018 signing that produced the 2020 title. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called James a winner on and off the court and urged fans to appreciate his eight years.
James, 41, played alongside his son Bronny with the Lakers beginning in 2024. He holds the NBA records for games played (1,622) and points (43,440). The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers are among teams expected to pursue him, sources told Charania.
The Lakers issued a statement calling James one of the greatest athletes in history and expressing gratitude for the title and records he set in purple and gold.
