A fourth chapter is on the horizon for LeBron James.The soon-to-be 42-year-old will truly test free agency for a third time this offseason after he and the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed that he will leave the team after eight seasons.ESPN initially reported that James informed the Lakers on Tuesday that he would be departing the team for his unprecedented 24th NBA season.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to fans after the game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, on Oct.6, 2024.
(Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)Following the reports, the Lakers offered a statement thanking James, and it does not seem as though the two parties are ending their relationship on bad terms."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," Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said.
"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."James reposted the Lakers' statement and shared his own sentiments.LEBRON JAMES TELLS LOS ANGELES LAKERS HE WILL LEAVE IN FREE AGENCY AFTER EIGHT SEASONS: REPORTLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half in Game 4 of the NBA first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024.
(Mark J.Terrill/AP)"No, THANK YOU! Truly a honor to wear the (purple and gold) while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me!" he said.
"Hope I made a few proud during my stint."During his tenure with the Lakers, James won his fourth NBA championship, extended his record All-Star streak to 22 years and became the NBA's all-time leading scorer — yet another record he continues to extend.The Lakers reportedly wanted James back, but th...