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A Showtime Lakers legend appreciates LeBron James' Lakers tenure, but makes it clear the franchise has to move on.
LeBron James’ eight-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers ended on Tuesday. The four-time MVP reportedly told the franchise that he would continue his legendary career elsewhere.
After James made his decision, a Showtime Lakers legend weighs in on the 41-year-old’s career in LA and what it means for the team.
3-Time NBA Champion James Worthy Says It’s Time to Turn the Page on LeBron James
James’ future with the Lakers became uncertain when the team refused to offer him an extension after the 2024-25 season ended. The NBA’s all-time career scoring leader picked up a $52.6 million player option, but there were speculations that it could be his last campaign with the Tinseltown team.
Rich Paul, the superstar forward’s agent, released a statement through ESPN’s Shams Charania after James decided to remain with the Lakers. Paul wrote:
“We do want to evaluate what’s best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive, and want what’s best for him.”
Nearly a year after Paul’s statement, James is leaving the franchise he led to the 2020 “Bubble Championship.”
As past Laker greats commented on James’ decision to leave the team, three-time NBA champ James Worthy also shared his views.
“I appreciated what he brought to the franchise. … I honestly got nothing but praise for his career here. … Still one of the top players in the NBA that sells out arenas. … But we move on now, we move on to tougher decisions on how to build around Luka (Dončić),” Worthy said on Tuesday.
The Lakers’ decision to likely move on from James began even before the 2025-26 season. While James couldn’t get an offer, the Lakers gave Luka Dončić a three-year, $165 million extension.
LA clearly shifted its focus from the aging superstar to the 27-year-old Slovenian.
Doncic became an even bigger priority once this past season started when James missed the Lakers’ first 14 games due to a sciatic injury.
Austin Reaves, whom the Lakers re-signed to a four-year, $185 million contract almost a week ago, also played well. LA started 10-4 without James, hinting that life might not be as tough if and when he leaves.
However, injuries to Dončić and Reaves, particularly in the playoffs, highlighted just how good the 22-time All-Star still is.
The “Chosen One” led the Lakers to a 4-2 win against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 playoffs before losing in four games to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He reminded basketball fans that he still has gas left in the tank.
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The Lakers reportedly wanted to talk to James before free agency started, but James was unavailable, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst.
The four-time NBA Finals MVP’s decision to leave the Lakers did not surprise many after he failed to get an extension, while Dončić and Reaves got theirs. In a way, the team already prepared for life without the 21-time All-NBA.
Worthy appreciated everything James brought to the franchise. The Hall of Famer advised the Lakers to move on quickly and pivot to the more urgent task of building a roster around Dončić, now the unquestioned face of the franchise.
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