LeBron James Thanks Lakers After Decision to Leave LA in NBA Free Agency, 'Truly A Honor'

LeBron James said it was "an honor" to play for the Los Angeles Lakers after reportedly deciding to leave the franchise in free agency this summer.

"Truly a honor to wear the [purple and gold] while trying to continuing the greatness & legacies that came before me!" James wrote in a Tuesday post on social media.

James was responding to a statement in which Lakers governor Jeanie Buss described him as "one of the greatest athletes in history."

Buss released her statement after ESPN's Shams Charania reported James had informed the Lakers he planned to play for another team next season.

Lakers star Luka Dončić also bid farewell to his former teammate in a Tuesday Instagram story mentioning James.

"An honor to play with and learn from you," Dončić wrote.

According to Charania, the Lakers "expressed to James that they wanted him back" before he elected to leave in free agency.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported James plans to "talk to a few teams" after free agency opens Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.

"A source close to the process says there's 'no rush' for him to make a decision," Shelburne reported.

The eight consecutive seasons James spent with the Lakers marks the longest continuous stretch with a single team of his historic 23-season NBA career.

He won his fourth NBA championship and fourth Finals MVP award in Los Angeles after leading the Lakers to the 2020 title.

There is a chance James could now return to the only franchise he's played more seasons for than the Lakers.

NBA on Prime's Chris Haynes reported Tuesday the Cleveland Cavaliers, where James played 11 seasons over two separate stints, are interested in a reunion with the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

James could also potentially make a return to the Miami Heat, where he played four seasons between 2010 and 2014.

Charania named the Cavaliers and Heat, as well as the Golden State Warriors, as the top three suitors for James ahead of Tuesday's opening of free agency.