Ross Pickering
It’s finally happening.
The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a four-year, $154 million deal with LeBron James. The announcement came via James’ agency, Klutch Sports Group.
The news came less than a day into free agency, and thought it was still expected by many that LeBron would sign with the Lakers, the NBA world was kept in the dark about the situation. There wasn’t even a confirmation that the purple and gold had been in touch with The King.
However, it has now been revealed that Lakers president Magic Johnson went to visit LeBron at his house in L.A. at 9:01 PM on Saturday night. Johnson stayed there for three hours, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
How did the Lakers close this? Magic Johnson went to one of LeBron’s houses in LA late Saturday night and met with him for several hours.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
LeBron also told Magic that the Lakers didn’t have to make any big, risky moves right now to get him to sign, per Shelburne. The three-time NBA champion is signing a deal for four years, giving the franchise time to find the right finishing touches to make this team a title contender once again.
Figuring out what's next is hard, in part because things are happening so fast. But the most important note came from @ramonashelburne, when she noted that LeBron told management they don't have to make big, rash moves to satisfy him. It's a long play. BK
— ESPNLosAngeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) July 2, 2018
As of now, the Lakers still have their young core intact. They made huge strides as a team last season, and adding LeBron to the mix will only help them improve even more.
October can’t get here soon enough.
