Lakers bid farewell to LeBron James with gushing tribute after bombshell split: ‘Cherished part of the Lakers family’

The Lakers have already said goodbye to the King.

Just hours after LeBron James’ camp informed the team he would not return to LA next season, the Los Angeles Lakers posted a farewell tribute to the NBA legend on X — thanking him for his eight seasons in purple and gold.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in the graphic. “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,” Buss added. “He will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.”

The post was captioned simply: “Thank you, LeBron.”

The farewell appeared to put an official bow on James’ Lakers tenure after the 41-year-old superstar informed the franchise he plans to finish his career elsewhere.

James leaves Los Angeles an eight-time All-Star with the team, a seven-time All-NBA honoree, a 2020 NBA champion and Finals MVP — and the league’s all-time scoring leader.

The emotional tribute came as speculation about James’ next stop exploded, with Polymarket traders sending the Golden State Warriors to the top of the prediction market for his next team.

More coverage on LeBron James

• LeBron James leaving Lakers in NBA free agency as Golden State Warriors rumors swirl
• Warriors master offseason plan includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis
• LeBron James’ silence leaves Lakers in the lurch ahead of NBA free agency
• Lakers need LeBron James, and he needs them. It’s time to get deal done
• Jimmy Butler’s agent pushes back on Warriors trade rumors amid Anthony Davis buzz

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