LeBron James Poised to Become First NBA Star to Capture Championships with Four Different Teams

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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LeBron James already holds numerous NBA records. He has played more games and scored more points than any other player in regular-season and playoff history. By becoming a free agent after departing the Los Angeles Lakers, James now has the chance to achieve a historic milestone: winning titles with four different franchises, further cementing his claim as arguably the greatest player of all time.

Currently, James is one of only four players who have won championships with three teams. He captured rings with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the Lakers in 2020.

The other members of this group are John Salley (titles with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990, the Chicago Bulls in 1996, and the Lakers in 2000); Robert Horry (championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995, the Lakers in 2000, 2001, and 2002, and the San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and 2007); and Danny Green (a title with the Spurs in 2014, the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and the Lakers in 2020).

While Salley, Horry, and Green enjoyed lengthy careers, they were primarily role players and none ever earned an All-Star selection. James, by contrast, was the leading figure on each championship team he helped guide, making his potential feat even more extraordinary.

Indeed, only a handful of all-time greats have ever led two different teams to NBA titles: Wilt Chamberlain (1967 with the Philadelphia 76ers and 1972 with the Lakers); Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks and multiple Lakers championships from 1980 through 1988); and Shaquille O’Neal (three-peat with the Lakers from 2000 to 2002 and a title with the Heat in 2006).

Some might argue that Bill Russell’s 11 championships with the Boston Celtics in 13 seasons, Michael Jordan’s six titles with the Chicago Bulls in eight seasons, or Kobe Bryant’s five Lakers rings are more impressive. Nevertheless, James has maintained elite performance into his 40s—a rarity in league history. Turning 42 on December 30, he remains the only player to average at least 20 points per game after age 40.

Two seasons ago, he posted averages of 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, earning a Second Team All-NBA selection. Last season, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in the regular season, and 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds across ten playoff games. Despite this, James has elected to leave the Lakers, reportedly without animosity.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss took to X to praise James as “one of the greatest athletes in history,” noting he will always be a cherished part of the Lakers family. James replied in kind, saying “No, THANK YOU!” and adding, “Hope I made a few proud during my stint.”

James is now set to join another franchise. His decision in the coming days will be watched closely, given his ability to still impact a championship-caliber team.

In October, James will embark on his 24th NBA season—a league record. Only 11 other players have logged at least 20 seasons. He already owns the NBA regular-season records for most games played (1,622), most minutes (61,030), most career points (43,440), most field goals made (15,961), and most field goal attempts (31,502). He also holds the corresponding playoff marks.

Moreover, James has appeared in 302 playoff games—43 more than any other player—and has scored 8,521 postseason points, 2,534 more than Michael Jordan, who ranks second. The James–Jordan debate over who is the greatest of all time will likely persist for years. Yet if James can deliver one more memorable playoff run at his age and secure another title, he would add perhaps the most remarkable milestone to a career already filled with historic achievements.

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