Magic Johnson Salutes LeBron James After 8-Year Lakers Exit
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 4
Magic Johnson Salutes LeBron James After 8-Year Lakers Exit
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 4
Summary
Magic Johnson posted a tribute on X after LeBron James left the Lakers, thanking James and agent Rich Paul for choosing Los Angeles in 2018.
Johnson said James "created a whole new era" for the franchise, pointing to the 2020 NBA title and the milestones he reached in a Lakers jersey.
LeBron's departure ends an 8-year run in Los Angeles and leaves him set to play the 2026-27 season with a new team.
The reason for the split remains unclear: Skip Bayless claimed James was pushed out, while Lakers senior writer Dan Woike reported the exit was unrelated to Luka Doncic.
Is the Lakers' breakup with LeBron the new blueprint for managing aging superstars in the NBA?
Have the Lakers' costly moves post-LeBron already capped their championship potential with Luka Dončić?
Which potential new team gives LeBron James the most realistic shot at a fifth and final championship ring?
End of an Era: LeBron James Leaves Lakers After 8 Years, Team Rebuilds Around Luka Dončić in 2026
Overview
On June 30, 2026, LeBron James officially left the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, choosing to join a new team instead of retiring. His time with the Lakers was historic, highlighted by leading them to the 2020 NBA championship and becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. LeBron’s arrival in 2018, orchestrated by Magic Johnson, marked a new era for the franchise after the Kobe Bryant years. His departure signals the end of a significant chapter for both LeBron and the Lakers, setting the stage for a new direction for the team and the league.