LBJ an instant Lakers boost
BASKETBALL LEBRON James will dramatically improve the Los Angeles Lakers, but the King’s presence won’t be enough to topple Western Conference benchmarks Golden State and Houston.
That’s the opinion of former Laker and Warriors 2015 NBA champion Andrew Bogut following James’ decision to link with the famed Hollywoodbased franchise.
The NBA’s premier player announced on Sunday night that he had agreed to a fouryear, $US154 million contract with the Lakers.
By switching conferences from the East to the West, James will attempt to dethrone back-to-back champions Golden State and grow his own legacy.
But according to Bogut, who spent 13 seasons in the NBA, the Lakers will need more than LBJ to win their 17th championship.
“They won’t beat the Rockets or the Warriors,” declared Bogut, who will move to Sydney in the coming weeks to officially start his two-year NBL tenure with the Kings. They got a lot better though with (LeBron), obviously.”
James’ presence will also provide Los Angeles with significant pulling power in the player market.
San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard has been linked to the Lakers, while other big names will be lining up to play alongside LBJ.
As one of the NBA’s biggest franchises, Bogut believes Los Angeles possess a clear advantage over their rivals.
“The Lakers will always attract stars,” he said.
“Even without a GM or front office, people will want to go there. Is it fair to the small markets? No, but that is life.”
For the second time in his career, James is farewelling the Cleveland Cavaliers, who drafted the teenage sensation from Akron in 2003.
Much to Cavaliers’ fans dislike, LBJ led the franchise to just one title in the 11 years.
Now the game’s biggest star will lead a young, rebuilding Lakers team – run by franchise Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
Los Angeles finished 11th in the Western Conference last season, but James will help them instantly rise up the standings. The three-time champion declared he was in “championship mode” despite being swept by Golden State in this year’s NBA finals.
Los Angeles will also provide James with a larger platform for his business interests and social activism. He already owns two homes in Southern California and has a film-production company.
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