LeBron James already owns several NBA records. No one has played in more games or scored more points than him in the regular season and playoffs. By opting to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and become a free agent, James can now achieve another accomplishment that could stand the test of time. He could become the first player to win titles with four franchises, adding to his status as arguably the best player of all-time.
As of now, James is one of four players with championships with three teams. He won titles with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Lakers in 2020.
The other players in that category are John Salley (1989 and 1990 with the Detroit Pistons, 1996 with the Chicago Bulls and 2000 with the Lakers); Robert Horry (1994 and 1995 with the Houston Rockets, 2000, 2001 and 2002 with the Lakers and 2005 and 2007 with the San Antonio Spurs); and Danny Green (2014 with the Spurs, 2019 with the Toronto Raptors and 2020 with the Lakers).
While Salley, Horry and Green each had long NBA careers, they were primarily reserves, and none ever made an All-Star team. James, on the other hand, was the leading player on each of the teams he led to championships, making the achievement even more remarkable.
In fact, only a small number of all-time great players led even two teams to NBA championships, notably Wilt Chamberlain (1967 with the Philadelphia 76ers and 1972 with the Lakers); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks and 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Lakers); and Shaquille O’Neal (2000, 2001 and 2002 with the Lakers and 2006 with the Heat).
Of course, some would argue it’s just as or even more impressive that Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 titles in 13 seasons or Michael Jordan led the Bulls to six championships in eight seasons or Kobe Bryant won five titles with the Lakers. But James has still remained a top-level player into his 40s, something no one else has done. James, who turns 42 on Dec. 30, is the only player to average at least 20 points per game when they were 40 or older.
Two seasons ago, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game and made second team All-NBA. This past season, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game in the regular season and 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game in 10 playoff games. But James has decided to leave the Lakers, although apparently with few hard feelings.
Jeanie Buss, the Lakers’ governor, sent out a message via X calling James “one of the greatest athletes in history” and adding “he will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family.” James responded in kind, saying “No, THANK YOU!” and “Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”
Now, it is time for James to move on to another franchise. His decision over the next few days will be closely monitored, for good reason, as he can still be an important contributor on a championship-level team.
In October, James will begin his 24th NBA season, a record. Only 11 other players have spent at least 20 seasons in the league. James already has the NBA regular season records for most games (1,622) and minutes (61,030) played, as well as career points (43,440) and field goals made (15,961) and attempted (31,502). He holds the playoff marks in those categories, as well.
James, in fact, has played in 302 playoff games, 43 more than anyone else, and 8,521 postseason points, 2,534 more than Jordan, who is second on the list. James and Jordan are always closely compared, with most considering them the two best players in NBA history. That debate will last for years to come. But if James can have one more memorable playoff run at his age and win another title, he will have perhaps the best milestone in a career full of successes.