LeBron James exits Lakers as Buss, Magic praise his legacy

As LeBron James departs the Los Angeles Lakers , two of the franchise’s key figures – Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson – shared their thoughts on the impact he’s had the club.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes in history,” wrote Buss, the team’s governor and controlling executive. “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 also had a key role in the Lakers signing LeBron James in 2018.

“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!”

The Lakers had failed to make the playoffs for five straight seasons before James arrived. The Lakers ended that drought in James’ second season with the team and reached the postseason in seven of his last seasons with the Lakers.

Luka Doncic , who joined the Lakers midway through the 2024-25 season, posted a photo of himself and James hugging with the caption: “An honor to play with and learn from you @kingjames.”

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.

<1 / 23

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Dec 28, 2021.

<2 / 23

LeBron James answers a question during an interview session with reporters during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Sept. 24, 2018 during his first season with the team.

<3 / 23

<4 / 23

<5 / 23

<6 / 23

<7 / 23

<8 / 23

<9 / 23

<10 / 23

<11 / 23

<12 / 23

<13 / 23

<14 / 23

<15 / 23

<16 / 23

<17 / 23

<18 / 23

<19 / 23

<20 / 23

<21 / 23

<22 / 23

<23 / 23