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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 a third time this offseason after he and the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed that he will leave the team after eight seasons.
ESPN initially reported that James informed the Lakers on Tuesday that he would be departing the team for his unprecedented 24th NBA season.
Following the reports, the Lakers offered a statement thanking James, and it does not seem as though the two parties are ending their relationship on bad terms.
“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. 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,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said. “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 reposted the Lakers’ statement and shared his own sentiments.
LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE IN FREE AGENCY AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORT
“No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me!” he said. “Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
During his tenure 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 — yet another record he continues to extend.
The Lakers reportedly wanted James back, but the four-time MVP was all set — even with his son, Bronny, on the team. The Jameses became the first father-son duo to not only be teammates in the NBA, but also to be active at the same time.
It is 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 were nursing injuries.
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The Golden State Warriors are currently the favorites to land James, which would turn a rivalry between him and Stephen Curry into one of the most star-powered dynamic duos in sports history.
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