Magic Johnson Sends Message After LeBron James’ Lakers Exit

Stephen R&period; Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson Sends Message After LeBron James’ Lakers Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jun 30, 2026 3:39 PM ET

Four years after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA title in franchise history, future Hall of Famer LeBron James won his fourth career ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. That was just one of several highlights from the Ohio native's time with the latter squad.

James broke fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time NBA scoring record in February 2023 and became the first player to play with his son when he and Bronny James faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in October 2024. However, the 41-year-old will take his talents elsewhere this offseason, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

Magic Johnson, another Lakers legend, shared his thoughts about James' tenure with the squad on Tuesday.

"I want to thank LeBron James and his super agent Rich Paul for taking a meeting with me back in 2018 when I was President of the Lakers and deciding to sign with us," he said. "He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the milestones he surpassed in a Lakers jersey. I’ll always love and be grateful for him and wish him all the best in the next phase of his life, on and off the court!"

I want to thank LeBron James and his super agent Rich Paul for taking a meeting with me back in 2018 when I was President of the Lakers and deciding to sign with us. He created a whole new era for the Lakers, including leading us to an NBA Championship in 2020 and all the…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 30, 2026

Cavaliers Want to Reunite With LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23)Gary A&period; Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are trying to recruit James to team up with Steph Curry and Draymond Green , per ESPN's Brian Windhorst. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers are also trying to create space for the four-time NBA MVP, per The Stein Line's Jake Fischer.

"Amid LeBron James' impending exit from Los Angeles, sources say the Cavaliers have held ongoing trade conversations regarding veterans Max Strus and Dennis Schröder, which could help Cleveland free the space to add James, and also benefit the Cavs' effort to retain Dean Wade," he reported on Tuesday.

Amid LeBron James' impending exit from Los Angeles, sources say the Cavaliers have held ongoing trade conversations regarding veterans Max Strus and Dennis Schröder, which could help Cleveland free the space to add James, and also benefit the Cavs' effort to retain Dean Wade.… https://t.co/d7FizN9qy1
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 30, 2026

Cleveland drafted James No. 1 overall out of high school in 2003. The 2003 McDonald's All-American won Rookie of the Year honors in 2003-04 before earning his first All-NBA placement the following season. He then got his first playoff action in 2006, but the squad got eliminated by the Detroit Pistons in the second round.

James then led the Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA Finals before they got swept by the San Antonio Spurs. After three more playoff exits, he signed with the Miami Heat in the summer of 2010 and won two rings with them before returning to Cleveland in 2014.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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