One of the greatest superstars ever in the NBA will be hanging his jersey somewhere other than in Los Angeles next season. LeBron James is apparently leaving the Lakers, according to ESPN. Per the outlet, "James, 41, has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday." James spent eight years with the team. He has the distinction of being a four-time Most Valuable Player, plus a four-time champion as well.
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It's unclear at this time exactly where James will land next. However, the Golden State Warriors are allegedly rumored to be interested in him, according to the outlet. Nevertheless, the Warriors' top brass had not confirmed anything like that as of the afternoon of Monday, June 29. James' two former teams, the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, might also be pursuing him.
Wherever LeBron James ends up, it will most likely be the final stop of his stunning professional basketball career.
The free agency negotiating window opens on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
"A Cherished Part of the Lakers Family"
Los Angeles Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss lavishly praised LeBron James in a statement. He leaves the team having compiled a legacy of extraordinary achievements and consistently outstanding play.
Buss appreciatively noted, "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."
James Dropped Some Subtle Hints Last Month About Possibly Going Elesewhere
It seems as if the iconic player may have had exiting the Lakers on his mind lately. He talked about being "excited" about being at work every day on Thursday, May 21, on the Mind The Game podcast. James shared with his co-host Steve Nash, "You want to be excited about going to work every day. You want to be excited about, you know, like I said earlier, winning the day. And being around a group of guys that, you know, feel the same way and trying not to take steps backwards. You know, understand a season is a long marathon and whatever the case may be."
