Four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James announced on Tuesday, on the first day of NBA free agency, that he will be leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
James, widely regarded as one of the best players in NBA history, is not retiring, returning to the NBA for an incredible 24th season, extending his record for the longest NBA career.
At age 41, James is coming off another unprecedented season, where he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on 51.5% shooting from the field, playing 60 of the Lakers’ 82 games. The Lakers reached the Western Conference semi-finals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
James has won at least one NBA championship with every team he’s played for, winning back-to-back titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013 before returning to Cleveland, winning it all in 2016. He also won what many refer to as the “Bubble Championship” with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Official statement
Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, daughter of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, wrote in a statement:
“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. “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.”
LeBron James responded in a tweet of his own:
“No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor (sic) to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing (sic) the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
LeBron James’ next destination?
LeBron James has instructed his longtime agent, Rich Paul, to talk to every team in the NBA that is interested. James has made it publicly known that he will not be rushing his decision.
James has been linked with linking up with Draymond Green and Steph Curry with the Golden State Warriors, with the Warriors also hoping to land Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis. However, despite Green declining his $27.6 million player option on Monday, the former Lakers teammates will almost certainly not be reuniting in Golden State, as the Wizards are not interested in trading Davis.
NBA sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania that his other two former teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, would also be in the running to sign him.
The son of LeBron James, Bronny James, will almost certainly not be joining James on the road. The Lakers had until Monday night to either waive Bronny James or have to pay at least part of his salary next season. The Lakers opted to keep James and fully guaranteed his $2.3 million deal.
What’s next for the Lakers?
With LeBron James out the door, and the NBA announcing the official salary cap increase to $165 million, the Lakers suddenly have $52 million in salary cap space available at their disposal. Sources have told ESPN that Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren has a meeting with the Lakers, while unrestricted free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Tobias Harris, Dean Wade, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Quentin Grimes are all linked to a move to Los Angeles.
The Lakers already signed emerging star Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million max contract with a player option for the final season.
However, sharpshooter Luke Kennard left to sign a two-year, $13 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. Rui Hachimura’s future hangs in the balance, but it’s fully expected that Hachimura will sign elsewhere in free agency.
The Lakers roster right now includes:
- Luka Doncic
- Austin Reaves
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Deandre Ayton
- Jake LaRavia
- Dalton Knecht
- Adou Thiero
- Cameron Carr
- Bronny James