LeBron James exits Lakers: Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson and Jeanie Buss share emotional tributes

LeBron James is moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers, and the franchise made sure he knew how it felt about the last eight years before he walked out the door. Rich Paul, James' agent at Klutch Sports Group, told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday that his client would test free agency rather than return to Los Angeles for a 24th NBA season.The announcement set off a wave of tributes from the people who shaped his time with the franchise, and James answered every one of them.

Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson and Jeanie Buss react to LeBron James' departure

The Lakers were first to speak. In a post on X, the organization thanked James for eight years that included a championship won inside the Florida bubble during the pandemic and a string of records broken in purple and gold."LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history," wrote Jeanie Buss, the team's governor and controlling owner.

"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.

"Magic Johnson, who helped recruit James to Los Angeles back in 2018 while serving as team president, posted his own message crediting James with resetting the franchise's direction.

"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," Johnson wrote.

"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!"That context matters. The Lakers had missed the playoffs for five straight seasons before James arrived in 2018.

He ended that drought in his second year with the team and helped Los Angeles reach the postseason in seven of his eight seasons in a Lakers uniform.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose scoring record James eventually broke, weighed in with a mix of gratitude and humor. "LeBron was a winner on and off the court, and Laker fans should appreciate his performance for the last 8 years," Abdul-Jabbar wrote. "If LeBron goes home to Cleveland, it won't matter if they win the World Championship or not because his hometown fans will get their opportunity to say their goodbyes to one of the greatest ever.

And who knows one day he may become Mayor of Cleveland !!"Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers midway through the 2024-25 season in the trade that reshaped the roster around James, posted a photo of the two of them embracing. "An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames," Doncic wrote.

What did LeBron James say after leaving the Lakers?

James did not stay quiet for long. Hours after the Lakers posted their farewell message, he replied directly on X."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.

🙏🏾🫡👑" James wrote.

A representative from Klutch Sports Group confirmed the departure in an email to reporters but declined to add anything beyond Paul's comments to Charania.

LeBron James' Lakers Tenure at a Glance

Where he lands next is the only question left unanswered. The Warriors, Heat and Cavaliers have all been mentioned as possible destinations, and James has reportedly told Paul to field interest from around the league before making a decision.