LeBron James leaves the Lakers: Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson react
LeBron James’ departure from the Los Angeles Lakers marks the end of an era in Los Angeles. Luka Dončić and Magic Johnson shared heartfelt messages that symbolize the passing of the torch
The news of LeBron James leaving the Los Angeles Lakers has shaken the NBA world like few stories in recent years. A new era is officially underway in Los Angeles: after eight seasons with “The King,” the franchise enters a new chapter filled with questions and very few immediate answers.
The situation is clear: the split between LeBron and the Lakers creates an entirely new landscape – not only from a basketball standpoint, but also in terms of leadership and identity. For a team that had grown accustomed to the weight and influence of his presence, this is a complete transformation.
Inevitably, the spotlight now shifts to Luka Dončić, who arrived in Los Angeles in 2025 and has already become the centerpiece of the franchise’s future. His message on social media was short but meaningful:
It was an honor to play with you and learn from you
Luka Doncic
A simple farewell, but one that reflects the relationship the two built. They shared the floor for just 72 regular-season games, yet that was enough to develop mutual respect. During that stretch, the Lakers also posted back-to-back 50-win seasons, with the sense that a healthier roster could have produced even deeper playoff runs.
Magic Johnson’s message: “Thank you, LeBron”
Magic Johnson also shared a public tribute, reflecting on where it all began.
In his message, Johnson thanked LeBron and his agent, Rich Paul, for the meeting in 2018 that laid the foundation for his move to Los Angeles.
I want to thank LeBron James and his agent Rich Paul for agreeing to meet with me in 2018 and for choosing to join the Lakers. He ushered in a new era for the franchise, delivered the 2020 NBA championship, and reached incredible milestones wearing the purple and gold. I wish him nothing but the best in whatever comes next
Magic Johnson
A farewell that changes everything in Los Angeles
Even as LeBron approaches his 41st birthday, his impact on the franchise remains enormous. His departure is more than just a free agency story – it marks the end of a chapter that brought an NBA championship and helped define the modern Lakers.
Now, however, the mission has changed. Rather than supporting the final years of LeBron’s career, the Lakers must immediately focus on building a championship-caliber roster around Luka Dončić.
The future will depend on the organization’s next moves, but one thing is certain: a new era has begun in Los Angeles, and the franchise has already chosen its new cornerstone.