LeBron James thanks Cleveland for support after Lakers announcement

After news of his four-year, $153.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers broke Sunday, LeBron James posted a message of thanks to his hometown thanking fans.

“Thank you Norteast Ohio for an incredible four seasons,” James wrote. “This will always be home.”

James, drafted first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers out of Akron’s St. Vincent–St. Mary Catholic school, rejoined the Cavaliers in 2014 after playing four seasons with the Miami Heat.

James became an unrestricted free agent Friday after informing the Cleveland Cavaliers he wouldn't exercise his $35.6 million option on the final year of his contract.

In addition to signing the two-time NBA Champion and four-time league MVP, the Lakers also signed JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to one-year deals Sunday.

About the Author

Juliakate E Culpepper

Tony Barnhart, ‘Mr. College Football,’ retiring after 50 years in sports media

Tony Barnhart, known as "Mr. College Football," is retiring from sports media after 50 years in the business — including roles at the AJC, ESPN, CBS and the SEC Network.

Norvell and Meyer repeat as champions of Southern Company Peach Bowl Challenge

The team of Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell and former Florida head coach Urban Meyer captured their second straight championship at the charity golf tournament

Kelly sets scoring record in winning Mitsubishi Electric Classic

The Latest

Georgia lands another large in-state OL for 2026 recruiting class

Sports Daily: The hater’s guide to Kentucky Derby horse names

Tony Barnhart, ‘Mr. College Football,’ retiring after 50 years in sports media

Featured

Credit: Philip Robibero/AJC

Interactive: What Georgia voters think about Donald Trump’s first 100 days, the issues and 2026 election

Explore the AJC's interactive poll results to see how Georgians' opinions differ about politics based on their gender, age, race, education, income and political leaning.

Dickens administration aims to wipe out $33M deficit before budget cycle begins

According to the mayor’s office, the original $33 million deficit — about 3% of last year’s general fund budget — has already been reduced by half.

Gwinnett judge won’t apply Kemp’s new lawsuit limits to landmark trial

The judge overseeing a landmark trial in Gwinnett County refused to apply Gov. Brian Kemp’s new lawsuit-limiting legislation to the case.