LeBron James has played his final game for the Los Angeles Lakers as it was reported that he has informed the team that he will continue his playing career elsewhere for the 2026-27 season. Following the news, the Lakers released a statement thanking James for everything he meant to the franchise during his time in purple and gold.
And now James has responded to that statement, taking to social media to thank the Lakers and calling it an honor to have been able to wear the purple and gold:
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. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026
The Lakers and James were exactly what each side needed when he initially joined the franchise in the summer of 2018. After bringing a championship to his hometown Cavaliers, James needed a new challenge and next phase in his career and bringing the Lakers back to glory represented that. At that same time, the Lakers were in dire need of their next superstar after Kobe Bryant retired in 2016 and James gave them that new face of the franchise to build around.
It ultimately was beneficial for both sides as James led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship, earning his fourth NBA Finals MVP in the process while forever cementing himself as a franchise legend. The Lakers were in the midst of their worst stretch in the history of the team and James took on that challenge, while also navigating the tragic death of Bryant and the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown to lead the Lakers back to the top of the league.
He also broke a number of records while in the purple and gold, most notably the NBA’s all-time scoring record, and became the first player in league history to share the court with his son, Bronny James. Both sides are truly thankful for one another and it is only a matter of time until his jersey is hanging in the rafters of the Crypto.com Arena alongside all the rest of the franchise greats.
Warriors, Cavaliers expected to be suitors for LeBron James in free agency
Where James will ultimately land in free agency is unclear, but there are a pair of teams already emerging as favorites and expected suitors in the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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