James to join LA Lakers in RM622m deal

LOS ANGELES: LeBron James is to join the Los Angeles Lakers in a four-year US$154 million (RM622.5 million) deal, his agents said Sunday, ending months of frenzied speculation about the NBA superstar’s next career move.

The blockbuster contract sends the 33-year-old four-time NBA Most Valuable Player to one of the league’s most iconic clubs, adding to the legacy of such legends as Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.

“LeBron James, four time NBA MVP, three-time NBA finals MVP, 14-time NBA All-Star, and two-time Olympic gold medallist, has agreed to a four-year US$154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers,” James’ management company Klutch Sports Group said in a statement.

James is considered a rival of retired Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan for the title of greatest player in NBA histor y.

However, he had endured frustration with the Cleveland Cavaliers, culminating in last month’s clean sweep defeat to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

James and the Cavaliers have been beaten in three out of four NBA Finals against the Warriors since 2015.

James had been linked to several franchises, with the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets reportedly in the running.

US media reports said the Lakers move was sealed following a meeting late Saturday between James and the team’s president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson.

James, who has a home and production company in Los Angeles, now joins a club with money to spend and a desire to rebuild into a championship team.

The Lakers have failed to reach the playoffs for the past five seasons.

News of James’ arrival at the Lakers sparked a delighted response on Sunday, with basketball legends and Hollywood celebrities lining up to welcome the move.

“Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness,” wrote Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on Twitter.

“I am sure the Lakernation is rejoicing. The acquisition of LeBron James means that the Lakers are just a smidgen away from being real contenders,” Lakers icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar added.

Former Hollywood action hero and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also weighed in.

“It’s so exciting that you’re coming to the city of stars,” Schwarzenegger said.

“And you’re without going to be the biggest star of all, on the court and off the court. I love it.”