LeBron James issues first public statement since leaving Lakers

LeBron James IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

LeBron James issues first public statement since leaving Lakers

By Anne Erickson | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 5:03 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James are officially parting ways.

ESPN first broke the news on Tuesday, with Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul telling ESPN's Shams Charania that "James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere."

Then, the Lakers also confirmed the split. Jeanie Buss of the franchise took to social media on Tuesday to issue a statement.

"LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," the statement read. "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

LeBron James breaks silence on leaving Lakers

It only took a short time for James to respond. He took to X to say, "No, THANK YOU! Truly (an) honor to wear the (yellow and purple hearts) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint."

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

Luka Doncic also responded and thanked James. On his Instagram Stories, he showed James love on social media. He stated, "An honor to play with and learn from you" along with a photo of the two of them hugging.

So, it's the end of an era in Los Angeles. It's also the start of a new era for whichever franchise picks James up.

Anne Erickson

Anne Erickson is an award-winning news reporter covering the NFL, NBA, college sports and more for Yardbarker. Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, and her work has been published by Fox Sports, ESPN and Newsweek, among others. She has also interviewed a bevy of big names in sports and entertainment, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

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