NBA legend LeBron James has issued a statement after being confirmed to depart the Los Angeles Lakers.
James, 41, will continue his career elsewhere, having spent eight seasons with the Lakers, winning the NBA title in 2020.
It is understood the Golden State Warriors are the leading contenders to get the four-time NBA champion.
In a statement in response to the Lakers thanking him, James wrote: “No, thank you!
“Truly a honour to wear the while trying to continuing the greatness and legacies that came before me!
“Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
The Lakers confirmed the departure of James, labelling him as “one of the greatest athletes in history”.
They wrote: “We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers – including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.
LeBron James said it was an ‘honour’ to wear the Lakers shirt
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REUTERS
“We wish him the best in his future, both on and off the court. He will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family.”
James began his career in Cleveland, where he spent seven seasons, before moving to Miami for four years, winning two NBA championships.
He returned to the Cavaliers for another four seasons before signing with the Lakers in 2018.
James is the league’s oldest active player and turns 42 in December.
LeBron James is the league’s oldest active player
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REUTERS
He also became the first NBA player to share the court with his son when Bronny James joined him at the Lakers.
The NBA icon averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season with the Lakers.
James carries an incredible career behind him, packed with several memorable moments.
In 2012, James scored a staggering 45 points, with 15 rebounds and five assists to help the Cleveland Cavaliers build a lead over the Boston Celtics, and it is widely considered one of the greatest elimination games ever.
LeBron James’ future remains uncertain for his next side
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In 2016, he produced one of the best defensive plays in NBA history, with an iconic block against Andre Iguodala.
It helped the Cleveland Cavaliers complete the first-ever 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals.
He broke the NBA all-time scoring record in 2023 when he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, cementing his name in the game.
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