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  "path": "/sport/nba/lebron-james-statement-la-lakers",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-30T20:13:08.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Man Utd open door to Marcus Rashford return as fresh talks change everything",
    "Luke Littler baffled by Thomas Tuchel decision as England and DR Congo clash looms",
    "'I returned Jannik Sinner's serve at Wimbledon thanks to an AI robot'",
    "ENTER HERE.",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nNBA legend LeBron James has issued a statement after being confirmed to depart the Los Angeles Lakers.\n\nJames, 41, will continue his career elsewhere, having spent eight seasons with the Lakers, winning the NBA title in 2020.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIt is understood the Golden State Warriors are the leading contenders to get the four-time NBA champion.\n\nIn a statement in response to the Lakers thanking him, James wrote: \"No, thank you!\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Truly a honour to wear the while trying to continuing the greatness and legacies that came before me!\n\n\"Hope I made a few proud during my stint.\"\n\nThe Lakers confirmed the departure of James, labelling him as \"one of the greatest athletes in history\".\n\nThey wrote: \"We will always be grateful for his eight years with the Lakers - including the title he led us to in 2020, under the most difficult circumstances imaginable, and the countless records he broke in purple and gold.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Man Utd open door to Marcus Rashford return as fresh talks change everything\n  * Luke Littler baffled by Thomas Tuchel decision as England and DR Congo clash looms\n  * 'I returned Jannik Sinner's serve at Wimbledon thanks to an AI robot'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"We wish him the best in his future, both on and off the court. He will always be a cherished member of the Lakers family.\"\n\nJames began his career in Cleveland, where he spent seven seasons, before moving to Miami for four years, winning two NBA championships.\n\nHe returned to the Cavaliers for another four seasons before signing with the Lakers in 2018.\n\nJames is the league's oldest active player and turns 42 in December.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe also became the first NBA player to share the court with his son when Bronny James joined him at the Lakers.\n\nThe NBA icon averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds this season with the Lakers.\n\nJames carries an incredible career behind him, packed with several memorable moments.\n\nIn 2012, James scored a staggering 45 points, with 15 rebounds and five assists to help the Cleveland Cavaliers build a lead over the Boston Celtics, and it is widely considered one of the greatest elimination games ever.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn 2016, he produced one of the best defensive plays in NBA history, with an iconic block against Andre Iguodala.\n\nIt helped the Cleveland Cavaliers complete the first-ever 3-1 comeback in the NBA Finals.\n\nHe broke the NBA all-time scoring record in 2023 when he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, cementing his name in the game.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n_Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June._**_ENTER HERE._**\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "LeBron James issues statement after being confirmed to leave LA Lakers"
}