LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Reportedly Agree to Long-Term Deal
It appears the LeBron James sweepstakes are over before they really began. According to Klutch Sports Group, the NBA star is taking his talents to the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year, $154 million deal.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
The three-time NBA champion missed out on bringing another title to Cleveland after the Cavs were swept by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Earlier this week James opted out of his contract in Cleveland and officially became a free agent. On Sunday the Philadelphia 76ers met with his representatives in Los Angeles hours before James’ reported deal with the Los Angeles Lakers surfaced. However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, James was not in attendance.
While NBA free agency doesn’t begin until July 6 after midnight, it appears another player is trying to find his way to the Lakers. Current San Antonio Spurs player Kawhi Leonard‘s focus of wanting to head to LA appears to not be swayed by the James news.
Sources: As trade talks have unfolded, Kawhi Leonard’s focus is unchanged: He wants to be a Laker. https://t.co/0wZGf5MrNt
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
Many NBA fans and reporters didn’t expect the James to LA contract news to come from Klutch Sports Group themselves. In the past, James had a tv special when he went to Miami between stints with the Cavs. Now it appears James is on the move yet again after not winning a championship in 2018.
No specifics regarding team and player options have surfaced as of Sunday night. Yet, those details may take some time to iron out as the two sides can’t officially put pen to paper until the free agency period begins. This move would make the Western Conference tougher as the Lakers just got a big boost to its roster.
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Overall the Lakers will be wild to watch during the 2018-19 season. NBA fans should get ready for James’ first interaction with the Ball family as that relationship may end up leading to some drama quickly.
All in all, NBA free agency is just heating up. Now that James has apparently made his decision other moves will fall in quick succession. One big name is off the market now, but it does not mean that there are no more high-quality players out there for teams to sign or get in a trade this offseason.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
