Goodbye! James responds to the Lakers! Officially ends his 8-year tenure

It's over. Farewell.

The entire 2019-20 championship-winning Lakers roster has all left the team.

Yes, James informed the Lakers he would be leaving, but he has no intention of retiring and will continue his playing career elsewhere.

James played for the Lakers for eight full seasons, appearing in 479 regular-season games, averaging 25.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.2 steals with a 51.3% shooting percentage; he also played in 63 playoff games, averaging 25.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.4 steals with a 51.5% shooting percentage.

Lakers president Jeanie Buss released a statement thanking James for his contributions. James responded:Wearing the purple and gold jersey was an honor, and I hope I made some people proud during my time here.

Now there's only one question left: "Where will James go?"

Insider Shams:James' potential destinations are the Warriors, Heat, and Cavaliers; Reporter Haynes stated: The Cavaliers are interested in bringing James back, hoping the franchise's greatest player can finish his career where it all began.

TA reporter Joe Vardon added: Harden will delay signing a contract extension with the Cavaliers to help the team gain enough salary flexibility to acquire James; meanwhile, the Cavaliers are trying to trade Strus to free up the $15 million full mid-level exception for James.

Prediction website kalshi updated James' next-team odds: the Cavaliers lead at 49%, while the Warriors drop to second at 38%.

As for what James wants from his next team, the deciding factor won't be money, but happiness......

The more I look at it, the more likely it seems James will return to Cleveland again. He previously played for the Cavaliers for 11 years over two stints, notably leading the team to its first championship in franchise history during the 2015-16 season.

Oh, and the Lakers have fully guaranteed Bronny's $2.3 million contract for the 2026-27 season, meaning he will stay with the team. So next season, it's very possible we'll see him go head-to-head with his own father, James—teammates become opponents, which makes for even more buzz. (Sarcastic dog emoji.)

"Son, you'll have to walk your own path from now on."