LeBron James’ time in Tinseltown has come to an end. 

In a stunning move that has shocked the NBA world, James has informed the Lakers that he will finish out his NBA career elsewhere and that the Lakers are free to move on without him this offseason, according to his agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.

James’ decision as an unrestricted free agent ends his longest consecutive tenure with a franchise, with his eight straight seasons with the Lakers outlasting the first seven seasons of his NBA career he spent with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Rumors are swirling that James could join the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The belief that James could become the King in the North came as Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option with the Warriors to become a free agent.

If Green re-signs with the Warriors for less money, they’d have the financial flexibility to offer James the $15.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception.

Meanwhile, fans of the Lakers and LeBron were freaking out at the news online — splitting into two clearly divided camps.

“Honestly, this was best for both sides,” one user posted on X. “I know there will be fans saying how his production will be missed this season and etc., but in life there is always a time and place for everything.” 

One camp of Lakers fans is rejoicing, hailing the decision by the oldest player in the NBA to take his talents elsewhere in a move described as “absolute cinema.” 

“Thank the basketball gods. Best news ever for us Lakers fans!” a fan said. 

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

While the other camp was clearly hurt by the news.

“Ummm im going back to sleep! its not even the first and our season is already OVER,” one wrote on X, referring to the Lakers star potentially leaving the team.

“Whatever jersey LeBron wears next, the entire basketball world will be watching,” another fan said on X.

The 41-year-old James averaged 25.9 points, 7.9 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals since joining the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.

James had a Hall-of-Fame worthy run with the Lakers: eight-time All-Star; seven-time All-NBA honoree, NBA champion, and NBA Finals MVP in 2020 and NBA Cup champion in 2023.

He also surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time regular-season scoring record (38,387) on Feb. 7, 2023, now sitting at 43,440 regular-season points scored after an unprecedented 23rd NBA season.

James ended his second tenure with the Cavaliers and signed a four-year, $154 million deal with the Lakers during the 2018 offseason. 

The first season didn’t go as hoped, with James suffering a groin injury on Dec. 25, 20218 that sidelined him for 17 straight games, marking the first major injury of his career, with the Lakers missing the 2018-19 season.

After an offseason retooling, which included trading for star big man Anthony Davis and replacing Luke Walton with Frank Vogel as the head coach, James and the Lakers bounced back in 2019-20, winning the 2020 NBA title.

The relationship between James and the Lakers has had its rifts throughout the decade. But at each pivotal turn, the two sides came back to each other.

But not this time. 

The Lakers wanted to bring James back, but it wasn’t their No. 1 priority as they looked to build the ideal roster around superstar Luka Doncic, who supplanted James as the face of the franchise after he was traded to Los Angeles in February 2025.

And James, after helping restore the Lakers to relevancy, will close out his career elsewhere.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said in an X post.

“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.”

James responded to the post, keeping it short and sweet. “No, THANK YOU!” He wrote.

“Truly a honor to wear the [purple and gold] while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me! Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”

Luka Dončić paid homage to the star on Instagram, sharing a photo of he and James hugging with the caption, “An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames.”

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters