LeBron James to depart Lakers after eight years, Warriors linked
LeBron James is set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, concluding an eight-year tenure with the team. Reports indicate that the NBA superstar has informed the team of his decision to continue his career elsewhere, with the Golden State Warriors emerging as a potential destination.
During his time with the Lakers, James helped the franchise secure the 2020 NBA title. He also played alongside his son, Bronny, since 2024. The Lakers acknowledged James‘s contributions, stating that he is one of the greatest athletes in history and expressing gratitude for his eight years with the team, including the championship he led them to under challenging circumstances.
Lakers Tenure and Career Milestones
The Lakers highlighted James‘s impact, noting the countless records he broke while wearing their purple and gold colours. They extended their best wishes for his future, both on and off the court, affirming that he will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family. This season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds.
James is a 22-time All-Star, an honour he has claimed every year from 2005 to 2026. He has also been named league MVP four times, a total surpassed only by Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His extensive career has seen him accumulate numerous NBA records, including the most minutes played, most points scored, and most All-Star appearances. He is the league’s all-time leader in games played with 1,622 and points scored with 43,440.
His career averages stand at 26.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. His longevity in the league is further underscored by the fact that his eldest son, Bronny, became his teammate at the Lakers last season.
Potential Move to Golden State Warriors
Media reports suggest that the Golden State Warriors are targeting James, potentially setting the stage for a union with long-time rivals Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. James famously battled these players in the NBA Finals for four consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2018 while he was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The window for free agency negotiation opened at 6 PM ET on Tuesday, though players cannot officially sign with a new team until the league’s offseason moratorium is lifted on 6 July. The Warriors are also reportedly considering signing Anthony Davis.
Draymond Green has not exercised his option for the upcoming season, a move largely intended to provide his team with flexibility for roster adjustments. Green commented on his decision, stating his willingness to work with the team for what is best, especially at this point in his career. He has spent 14 years with the same organisation, viewing it as a family.
James was initially selected as the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent seven seasons. He then announced his departure for the Miami Heat during a live television special. He later returned to Cleveland and, in 2016, led the team to an NBA Finals victory against Golden State, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to deliver the Cavaliers their first championship. His move to the Lakers in 2018 ultimately led to another championship in 2020, nine months after the passing of Kobe Bryant.
His close relationships with Green, Curry, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr could be a factor in his decision to potentially join Golden State.
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Source: bbc.com
