LeBron James is leaving the Lakers after eight seasons, and the franchise made sure to send him off with a public thank you.
The Lakers shared a statement from Jeanie Buss honoring James’ time in purple and gold, including the 2020 championship, the records he set with the franchise and the impact he made during one of the most watched runs of his career.
“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.”
Thank you, LeBron 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/SW910ZVqSu
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) June 30, 2026
James responded with his own message, making it clear that the gratitude goes both ways.
“No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the [gold and purple] while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint,” he tweeted.
No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the 💜💛 while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint. 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/RmQ6uvvgv0
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 30, 2026
The exchange gives the LeBron James Lakers era a respectful ending, at least publicly. His departure closes a chapter that began in 2018, when he joined a franchise still trying to return to championship contention. Two years later, he helped lead Los Angeles to the 2020 NBA title, a season remembered for the pandemic bubble and the emotional weight the team carried after Kobe Bryant’s passing.
During his time with the Lakers, James remained one of the league’s biggest stars while continuing to add to his all time legacy. He also became the NBA’s all time leading scorer while wearing purple and gold, giving the franchise another historic moment to attach to his run.
That does not mean the LeBron James era in Los Angeles will be viewed the same way by everyone. Some Lakers fans will always feel the team should have won more with him. Others will point to injuries, roster changes and the difficulty of building around a superstar deep into his career. Still, the championship banner and the history made during his stint are permanent.
His response also showed that he understood the weight of the jersey. The Lakers are not just another NBA team. Their history comes with Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and decades of expectation. James’ message about honoring “the greatness & legacies that came before me” spoke directly to that pressure.
For now, his next destination has not been confirmed. What is clear is that LeBron James is moving on from Los Angeles with both sides choosing appreciation over public tension.
The Lakers thanked him for the title, the records and the memories. He thanked them for the honor of wearing purple and gold. After eight seasons, that is the note they chose to end on.
