LeBron James leaving LA Lakers after eight seasons, eyes record 24th NBA campaign elsewhere
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James salutes public address announcer Lawrence Tanter prior to an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, centre, goes up for a dunk as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort, left, and guard Ajay Mitchell watch during the second half of Game 4 in a second-round NBA basketball playoffs series Monday, May 11, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
NBA superstar LeBron James is set to end his eight-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers after informing the franchise that he intends to continue his career elsewhere.
Multiple US media outlets reported Tuesday that James' agent, Rich Paul, advised the Lakers that the four-time NBA champion will not be returning, allowing the team to move forward with its offseason plans.
If he signs with another team, James will make history by becoming the first player to compete in a 24th NBA season.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer spent the past eight seasons with the Lakers, leading the franchise to the 2020 NBA championship.
In a message posted following the reports, the Lakers paid tribute to James, describing him as one of the greatest athletes in history and thanking him for his contributions to the franchise.
The organisation said his impact extended far beyond basketball and that his legacy would remain a lasting part of Lakers history.
Earlier this month, James added another milestone to his illustrious career after being named TIME magazine's "Athlete of the Century."
The recognition came as part of the publication's inaugural TIME100 Sports issue, which honoured his record-breaking longevity, championship success and global influence both on and off the basketball court.
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