Every time LeBron James has been a free agent, the biggest question was where he'd end up. We had The Decision in 2010. Then there was The Return in 2014. Now, we've got…The Hollywood? We still have plenty of time to come up with a better name for his choice, but for now, the important thing is this: LeBron James is now a Los Angeles Laker.
James and the Lakers agreed to a four-year, $153.3 million deal. The fourth year is a player option. This is the longest contract LeBron has signed since his six-year deal with the Heat in 2010, though the final two years of that contract were player options.
The move is a major success for the Lakers, who have had trouble attracting big-name free agents in recent years. James joins a promising young core with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma.
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The Lakers are also working hard to acquire Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, who's still under contract with the San Antonio Spurs for one more season, has been open about his desire to play in Los Angeles. A starting lineup pairing LeBron and Leonard would be among the most formidable in the league.
It's LeBron's first time venturing out west, but he joins an illustrious list of players who have donned the purple and gold. Of the eight highest scorers in league history, six have played for the Lakers. LeBron will be the seventh, and will look to add to his already impressive accomplishments.
The four-time MVP and 14-time All-Star leaves Cleveland as the leader in just about every statistical category imaginable, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and games played. He also appeared in all 82 games this past season, the first time he's ever done that. He also led the Cavs to a championship during the 2016 season, ending a 52-year title drought for the city.
In an Instagram story, LeBron thanked the city of Cleveland for an incredible four years. He added that Northeast Ohio "will always be home."
One other winner in the LeBron deal? Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The guard signed a one-year, $12 million deal to remain in L.A. Rich Paul represents both James and Caldwell-Pope. That likely played a part in Caldwell-Pope securing a deal, too.
Hey, sometimes it's good to roll with the King.
