LeBron James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons with the team. The decision marks a significant shift in the NBA's offseason player movement window. James can begin talking to new clubs after the June 30th deadline.

A statement from the Lakers thanked James for his eight seasons with the club. "LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," said Jeanie Buss, part of the Lakers' ownership group. "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." James' longtime agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul first reported his plans to ESPN. James has several options available on the open market, including the Golden State Warriors. Longtime Warriors forward Draymond Green recently opted out of his $27.6 million option to allow his team flexibility to make other roster moves.

The 42-year-old James has spent eight seasons with the Lakers, the longest he has spent in one stint with one NBA team. He led them to the 2020 NBA championship and became the NBA's all-time points leader while wearing a Lakers uniform.

James has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and is a four-time NBA champion. He is also a 22-time All-Star, a 21-time All-NBA selection, a four-time Most Valuable Player, a four-time NBA Finals MVP, a three-time All-Star Game MVP, and was part of the NBA's 75th anniversary team.

The list of James' accolades is impressive. He has also become the first player in league history to log 23 seasons and will add at least one more to that this season after turning 42 in December. He has a son, Bronny James, who played with him on the Lakers and is now a part of the team.

The NBA's oldest active player has a list of records that is beyond comparison. He's coming off a season where he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, and for his career, he's averaged 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in more than 1,600 games.

### Key Facts

  • LeBron James will not return to the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons.
  • James can begin talking to new clubs after the June 30th deadline.
  • The Lakers thanked James for his eight seasons with the club.
  • James has several options available on the open market, including the Golden State Warriors.
  • Longtime Warriors forward Draymond Green recently opted out of his $27.6 million option.