The saga about the future of best basketball player in the world is over. LeBron James is taking his talents to Los Angeles and has agreed to a 4-Year, $153 million deal with Lakers. The announcement was made by James’ agency, Klutch Sports.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
According to ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst, the fourth year of the deal is a player option. The length of the deal is somewhat surprising since previous three deals LeBron James has signed were for three years or less.
In an Instagram story, James has said goodbye to his hometown area and city of Cleveland by writing: “Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible 4 seasons. This will always be home.” and posting a photo of Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA Champions parade.
LeBron James spent first seven years of his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, before signing with the Miami Heat in 2010, where he teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in order to try and win an NBA title. James managed to fulfill his goal and win two championships before deciding to go back to Cavs in 2014. He won one NBA title with the Cavaliers and made four straight NBA Finals trips during his second stint in Cleveland.
Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said goodbye to his star player via a statement published on Cavs’ official website.
“Words do not express the meaning and the feeling this accomplishment brought to the people of Northeast Ohio,” – said Gilbert in a statement. “None of this would have happened if LeBron James did not agree to come back home and lead the Cavaliers to the promised land.”
“LeBron, you came home and delivered the ultimate goal. Nothing but appreciation and gratitude for everything you put into every moment you spent in a Cavaliers uniform. We look forward to the retirement of the famous #23 Cavs jersey one day down the line …” – he added.
A very different statement from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/wC3LxU0M0g
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) July 2, 2018
According to sources close to LeBron James, joining Los Angeles Lakers was more family and business than a basketball decision. With the current way Lakers are constructed, it is hard to see them winning a championship. But, the organization is still aggressively pursuing a trade for Kawhi Leonard and trying to sign free agent DeMarcus Cousins, so things could change soon enough.
