Why LeBron chose the Lakers as free agency destination
LeBron James — in a concise, humble-brag style news release via his agency, Klutch Sports — announced he will sign a four-year, $154 million deal with the Lakers.
After much speculation, tea-leaf reading and bread-crumb following — Will it be the Lakers? Will he stay in Cleveland? Does Philadelphia have a chance? — James ended the suspense early in free agency.
Here are three reasons LeBron James joined the Lakers, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because of the high-profile nature of the deal.
1. James and his family (wife Savannah, sons LeBron Jr. and Bryce and daughter Zhuri) are excited to live in Los Angeles full time. He has two homes there and has spent previous offseasons there.
2. James believes the Lakers are in position, with some of the players they have now, to build a team that can contend for a championship soon.
Also, James was not adamant that another All-Star, such as Kawhi Leonard or Paul George, had to join the team for him to sign with the Lakers.
James understands that they can build and create a contender with him there.
3. If James left Cleveland, it would be for an iconic franchise, and the Lakers are that with their 16 NBA championships and Hall of Famers who have played for the franchise, including some of the game’s all-time greats: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.
James’ agent, Rich Paul, met with Philadelphia, another storied franchise, which worked hard Sunday to reach a deal with San Antonio to acquire Leonard and then persuade James to join, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY.
But the Sixers never made serious traction with the Spurs. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about trade talks.