LeBron James leaves the Lakers and plans to continue his career with another NBA team

The Los Angeles Lakers released a statement honoring his departure. "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history. We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers," the Los Angeles club said. The organization thus described James as one of the most defining figures in the franchise's recent history.

There has been intense speculation in US media for days about James' next steps. Most recently, rumors circulated that he could join the Golden State Warriors around superstar Steph Curry as a free agent. A move by James to the Warriors would be one of the most spectacular transfers in NBA history. James and Curry (38) are considered the two most dazzling figures in the North American professional league.

Possible destinations: Warriors and others

If he were to move to Oakland, the Warriors would have James' former teammates Anthony Davis and Draymond Green under contract alongside Curry. According to media reports, the Warriors are also trying to lure Davis to the Bay Area. This would form a star-studded team.

But it is not only the Warriors who are being discussed as a possible destination. His former clubs, the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers, are also mentioned as candidates. Where he will ultimately end up remains open for now. A return to one of his former teams would be an emotional final chapter for James, who began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, before a possible last stop.

Stops of a record-breaking career

James led the Lakers to the title in 2020, finishing his time in Los Angeles with a championship ring. Overall, it was his fourth NBA championship. Previously, he had triumphed with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013 and with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. The most points, the most wins, the most games, the most playoff appearances are just some of the impressive figures on his resume.

James also broke the all-time scoring record, totaling 43,440 points. This surpasses every previous benchmark in league history. In the category of playoff appearances, he also holds the record in NBA history.

Father-son story with Bronny

With his son Bronny, he made basketball history on October 22, 2024. The Jameses were the first father-son duo to play an NBA game together. This moment is considered one of the most emotional highlights of his time with the Lakers and was recognized far beyond the league.

Before his tenure with the Lakers, the 41-year-old also led the Cleveland Cavaliers to championship honors. His eight seasons in Los Angeles represent the longest continuous time with a single club. This brings an end to an era in which James significantly shaped the face of the franchise – both athletically and culturally.

It will be his 24th season in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Even his 23rd season was a new league record. No other player in NBA history has played more than 22 seasons before James' upcoming 24th season. He continues to set the standard for longevity.

In expert circles, there has been a years-long debate over whether James or Michael Jordan, the legend of the Chicago Bulls, is the greatest basketball player of all time. James' impressive statistics and his four championships with three different franchises provide arguments for both sides of this ongoing debate.

Impact on the league

The upcoming move also has implications for next season's title race. Strong contenders for the championship include the young Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs around Victor Wembanyama, and the reigning NBA champions, the New York Knicks, around Jalen Brunson. What role James will play in his new environment remains to be seen.

James and Curry faced each other in four consecutive NBA Finals series between 2015 and 2018. Two years ago, the duo led the US team to the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. Another shared stop would be the crowning of an extraordinary rivalry that has transformed into friendship.

James and Curry: From rivals to teammates?

However, the 41-year-old's departure is not a retirement. James still plans to actively play basketball. ESPN reports that the NBA legend is leaving the 17-time champions after eight years. His move thus marks a new beginning – and not the end of his impressive career.

What exactly the future holds for the superstar remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the upcoming season is anticipated with great excitement – not only because of the question of where James will go, but also because of the impact on the balance of power throughout the NBA.

If the move to the Warriors actually comes to fruition, one of the most prominent pairings in league history would continue. Both players have each won four NBA titles. A shared team would bring the athletic records of both legends together in a new chapter.

Reactions on social media and among basketball fans were overwhelmingly emotional immediately after the news broke. Many Lakers supporters honored James' contribution to the franchise's history, while speculation about his next destination dominated sports reporting.