It is hard to believe, but at the same time it isn’t, but next season LeBron James will be wearing purple and gold. The rumor had lingered around all season and only seemed like the next step after getting swept in the NBA Finals. All the while, the move did not make a lot of sense when you think about James getting swept in the NBA Finals.
The news broke earlier today after James opted out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He chose to leave $35.6 million on the table and instead sign a four-year deal worth $154 million. The announcement came via Klutch Sports Group’s Twitter account.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
The NBA world was officially shook by the news with players and fans reacting on social media.
Y’all really thought he was gonna pass up the greatest city in the world… #TheKingIsHere 👑
— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) July 2, 2018
LAKESHOWWWW. @KingJames let’s go my brotha💪🏽 let’s rock
— kuz (@kylekuzma) July 2, 2018
Bron gonna be a free agent just in time to play with his son . That’s a bar ✊🏾
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) July 2, 2018
Damn 👀
— Nick Young (@NickSwagyPYoung) July 2, 2018
Even the Laker great Kobe Bryant shared his love for the move.
Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson and RP well done!!! 🙌🏾
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 2, 2018
As if James announcing his departure for the West Coast was not shocking enough, just hours later another bomb dropped on Twitter. Lance Stephenson will be joining James in Los Angeles and Javale McGee is the latest to sign with Los Angeles. LeBron James, Lance Stephenson, Javale McGee, and Lavar Ball in Hollywood what could go wrong?
This is a big gamble for James who is coming off his fifteenth season, one in which he played a majority of minutes in a majority of the Cavs’ games both regular and postseason. We have already seen Paul George decide to stay in Oklahoma City and there is definitely no guarantee the Spurs will part ways with Kawhi Leonard to the Lakers.
This seems to be more of a personal move. His son was just enrolled in high school in Southern California and Los Angeles is a great city for James to expand his brand and prepare for life after basketball. Do I think he will win another title? I’m not so sure. The Warriors are still lurking around and the Rockets will be back again.
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