LeBron James Leaves Lakers After 8 Seasons as 41-Year-Old Free Agency Opens
Updated
Updated · NBC Los Angeles · Jun 30
LeBron James Leaves Lakers After 8 Seasons as 41-Year-Old Free Agency Opens
3 articles · Updated · NBC Los Angeles · Jun 30
Summary
LeBron James, 41, will join a new team next season after the Lakers confirmed Tuesday that he will not return in free agency.
Eight seasons in Los Angeles ended after Luka Doncic became the franchise’s centerpiece, pushing James into a secondary role despite the Lakers’ 53-29 season and second-round playoff exit.
James leaves with one championship, eight All-Star selections and the NBA’s all-time scoring record, averaging 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 7.9 assists as a Laker.
Free agency opens at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday, with Golden State among the most-discussed landing spots and Cleveland and Miami also linked to him.
His departure closes a Lakers era that included the 2020 title and the league’s first father-son pairing after Bronny James’ $2.3 million deal was fully guaranteed Monday.