LeBron James to Lakers

“This is a historic moment for the Lakers, and we could not feel more grateful and honored,” Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka said. “When LeBron James – a perennial NBA MVP and champion who is playing at the most astonishing levels of his career – chooses to join the Lakers, it serves as the ultimate validation for what we are building here. However, we all know that the work is not yet done. We will continue forward and do all that is necessary to achieve our shared obsession of bringing banner No. 17 to the world’s best fans – Lakers Nation.”

4 years ago – via Twitter wojespn

Adrian Wojnarowski: Agent: LeBron James has signed his four-year, $153M deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

4 years ago – via Twitter

Klutch Sports: Officially signed with the @Lakers @KingJames

Officially signed with the @Lakers @KingJames pic.twitter.com/A5jHZxXEP4

— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 10, 2018

4 years ago – via Twitter KingJames

Blaze Pizza: Los Angeles—are you ready for the King of all pizza parties?! We’re celebrating @KingJames arrival in LA with free pizzas on 7/10! Stop by any of our LA locations between 2-5pm for your free pie! Let’s welcome #LAbron to LA the only way we know how! LeBron James: Haven’t been to a pizza party in a minute 🤔 Culver City? 👀🍕

4 years ago – via NBA.com

David Aldridge: In the interim, James will be surrounded by tough-minded, veteran, defense-centric players (along with the re-signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope) who’ll create turnovers and allow LeBron to take a break at that end of the court — where his effectiveness has dropped off significantly the last couple of seasons.

4 years ago – via Lonzo Wire

YouTuber ToNYD2WiLD caught [Lonzo Ball] commenting on LeBron’s impending arrival while at a Big Baller Brand pop-up shop at Sole Play in Lawrenceville. “Ah man, it’s dope, bro,” Zo said simply.

4 years ago – via Twitter clutchfans

David Hardisty: Mike D’Antoni on LeBron James joining the Lakers: “You hate it, but that’s how the league is. It just makes us to try to get a little better. It’s going to be a heck of a race in the Western Conference, I know that much.”

4 years ago – via ESPN

But the Lakers are indeed attempting to chart a new course for James’ Lakers future, one that is vastly different from the style of basketball he played with the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Unlike most free agents changing teams, LeBron is arriving with the Lakers as an all-time great,” a source close to James said. “He doesn’t have pressure to prove anything. He wants some changes, and he can afford to let the process breathe.”

4 years ago – via ESPN

That also follows with the talents of the 6-foot-6 Ball, who showed the ability to be an elite rebounder and defender for a guard in his rookie year. “I know some people are rolling their eyes, but I like what the Lakers have done,” a rival Western Conference executive said. “You can find shooters. They’ve taken some in the last few drafts. Playmakers matter and are harder to find.”

4 years ago – via TMZ.com

LaVar Ball is already clearing off space on Lonzo’s trophy case — telling TMZ Sports he expects FOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS now that LeBron James is on the Lakers! “I called LeBron to L.A.,” LaVar told us at a BBB pop-up shop at Sole Play in Atlanta … “I knew he was coming to L.A., man! Everything lined up for me!” But, what about the Golden State Warriors signing DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins — is LaVar concerned about the reigning NBA champs??

4 years ago – via Twitter MikeVorkunov

Mike Vurkonov: David Fizdale’s thoughts on LeBron James leaving the Eastern Conference (hypothetically, of course, you know, since nothing is official until July 6): “Hal-le-lu-jah.”

4 years ago – via ESPN

Bryant told his former rival that he is here to support the newest Lakers superstar and his family, and that James’ arrival has pushed the Lakers back to “front and center again and top of the conversation” as a destination in the NBA.

4 years ago – via Twitter billoram

Bill Oram: Interesting. @John Ireland just said on @ESPNLosAngeles that he and @Mychal Thompson and @Mike Trudell were kept off the station’s free agency preview show on Friday because Lakers officials feared a team employee might say something that would jeopardize a LeBron deal.

4 years ago – via Twitter ArashMarkazi

Arash Markazi: On Sunday after LeBron James agreed to join the Lakers, StubHub saw visits to its Lakers tickets page increase by 1,831% compared to the last 30-day average. Compared to the same date last year (July 1), traffic increased to the page by 7,398%.

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith: ‘I had a great run… we are fortunate enough to win five championships. Now it I somebody else’s time… it is our responsibility to pay that forward. Anything I can do whatsoever to help LeBron bring a championship back to the city of LA I am all for it’

4 years ago – via New York Post

According to Romeo Travis, LeBron James didn’t envision the Cavaliers being capable of making the offseason moves necessary to dethrone the Warriors and win his second title in Cleveland. James will not hold an introductory Lakers press conference and reportedly won’t speak publicly until late July at his Akron charity function.

4 years ago – via New York Post

“Now they don’t have cap space,” Travis said. “Nobody wants the guys they have. It’s been tough for them to get better from a roster standpoint. And it might be tough for him to have another amazing year like that, put them on his back again. His teammates are professionals, and you hope they play better next year, but it’s hard to gamble your career on that.”

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: On taking Lakers torch from Magic and passing it to LeBron, Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith: ‘Now it is somebody else’s time… certainly it is our responsibility to pay it forward. whatever i can do to help Bron [win a championship in LA] I am all for it… we are all brothers.’

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith on LeBron having the type of skin and character to handle playing in LA: ‘They’ve thrown everything at this kid since [high school].” Says he told LeBron he’s here for him and his family and whatever they need in LA

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith: “[James] has a core group of players around him now that is extremely good, versatile and they are hungry in terms of gym rats… LeBron accelerates the learning curve for these young guys… this is really going to help Lonzo, Kyle’s growth.’

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith on Magic: ‘They might have to get this dude another statue [for all he has done]. What Magic is pulling off is absolutely incredible. The legacy he has for this franchise and what he’s doing [now], it’s ridiculous.’

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith on Rob Pelinka and what’s next: ‘I have known Rob forever. He has [prepared Plan A-Z.] He will read the lay of the land and see what opportunities present themselves. There will be nothing that surprises him… I know how brilliant he is.’

4 years ago – via Twitter NotoriousOHM

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kobe to @Stephen A. Smith on LeBron with Lakers core: ‘They have a lot of offensive versatility. The true test comes on the defensive end. That is where LeBron is really, really great at, talking and his energy… that is where I look for changes and if they do that, who knows’

4 years ago – via Twitter

Harrison Faigen: Based on Kobe Bryant’s comments on the radio this morning, it sounds like his call with LeBron James on Saturday was less “recruiting” and more “welcome to L.A.” Here’s what he said their call consisted of: “Just hey, welcome to the family bro. Just making sure we get together when he gets out here, making sure his kids were good and that whole bit.”

4 years ago – via Sports Illustrated

In the two weeks following the Finals, James held three meetings at home with his closest advisors, in which they attempted to peg free-agent destinations where he might be able to satisfy his family and eventually vault his nemesis. Their talks focused on the Rockets, 76ers, Lakers and Cavaliers. James instructed his agent, Rich Paul, to research those organizations and present him with feedback when he returned from a vacation in Anguilla.

4 years ago – via Sports Illustrated

On Sunday morning, James ate breakfast with his wife on the patio at A Votre Sante in Brentwood. Gavin Newsom, the Democratic candidate for governor of California, stopped at their table and asked where he was headed. James kept quiet. Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California, also swung by and delivered her case for the Lakers. There is little doubt the club’s cache played as much a part in James’s thinking as Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. James grew up a Cowboys and a Yankees fan, but he has never suited up for an iconic institution. Even though the Rockets and Sixers are loaded in comparison to the Lakers, they did not capture the imagination in the same way.

4 years ago – via Sports Illustrated

On Sunday afternoon, James and his wife went back to Van Nuys Airport. They were flying east again, this time to Europe, for a couple’s trip. His advisors didn’t know if he’d pick a team before he left for Europe or after he landed, or even after he returned. They prepared an old-fashioned press release under the letterhead of Paul’s agency, Klutch Sports Group, but they weren’t sure if or when they’d distribute it. James phoned Paul as he was boarding the private plane. “Call the Lakers,” he said.

4 years ago – via USA Today Sports

Lakers owner Jeanie Buss deserves the assist for getting this done, as she’s the one who made the bold move in Feb. 2017 of firing her own brother, Jim Buss, and longtime general manager, Mitch Kupchak, after years of failed free agency pitches. Magic Johnson came in as an adviser and then president of basketball operations, and Rob Pelinka, the longtime agent of Kobe Bryant, became general manager. The overhaul was complete, with Buss pushing for more synergy between the front office and ownership with the hopes that it would lead to this kind of prize. But according to a person with knowledge of James’ thinking, it was Johnson who closed this monumental deal. The Lakers legend met with James in one of his Los Angeles homes for approximately three hours on Saturday night, when the NBA’s free agency period tipped off.

4 years ago – via NBA.com

Dan Gilbert: Virtually anyone with roots in Northeast Ohio paused and felt the memories of the past and the utter joy that the burden of the so-called ‘curse’ was finally a thing of the past. Cleveland, Ohio was the home of a championship team for the first time since 1964. Words do not express the meaning and the feeling this accomplishment brought to the people of Northeast Ohio. None of this would have happened if LeBron James did not agree to come back home and lead the Cavaliers to the promised land. The entire Cavaliers franchise thanks LeBron for that precious moment and for all of the excitement he delivered as he led our team to four straight NBA Finals appearances.

4 years ago – via NBA.com

Dan Gilbert: LeBron is a family man, first. We wish his kids, his wife Savannah, his mother Gloria, and LeBron himself nothing but the best in the years and decades ahead. LeBron’s connection to Akron, Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio will most certainly endure as his commitment to the region and his support of many important causes has been impactful to so many kids and families. LeBron, you came home and delivered the ultimate goal. Nothing but appreciation and gratitude for everything you put into every moment you spent in a Cavaliers uniform. We look forward to the retirement of the famous #23 Cavs jersey one day down the line…”

4 years ago – via Twitter

Darren Rovell: $136.6 million: What Dan Gilbert has paid LeBron for his 11 seasons in Cleveland. $154 million: What LeBron will make in his next four seasons with the Lakers.

4 years ago – via ESPN

Here is the breakdown for the LeBron James contract with the Los Angeles Lakers: $35.65M, $37.43M, $39.21M and $41M. He is not eligible for a no trade clause.

4 years ago – via USA Today Sports

Here are three reasons why 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 fulltime. 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 Lakers for him to sign with the Lakers. He understands they can build and create a contender with him there.

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: Some more context to the Magic-LeBron meeting Saturday night. LBJ was already strongly considering the Lakers but wanted to look Magic in the eye and see if they could find a trust before making a decision, per sources close to the situation.

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: In other words, LeBron and Magic needed to bond and build trust. It wasn’t necessary for Magic to do a hard sell. He just had to be real & LeBron then obviously had to feel good about the partnership.

4 years ago – via ESPN

Free-agent swingman Lance Stephenson has agreed to join up with LeBron James to pursue a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources tell ESPN. Stephenson will sign a one-year, $4.5 million deal, the sources said.

4 years ago – via Twitter BA_Turner

Brad Turner: Sources said James liked the team Magic Johnson has in place and believes in how the Lakers can be in the playoffs this year and build the Lakers into a champion team.

4 years ago – via Twitter BA_Turner

Brad Turner: According to several sources, Magic Johnson met LeBron James at James’ home at 9:01 Saturday night and the two talked for about three hours. Conversation was about building the Lakers into a championship team and about being successful businessmen.

4 years ago – via Sporting News

If Bosh were to return, re-joining James on a veteran’s minimum contract with the Lakers makes abundant sense. Bosh knows well the challenges of playing with James — he’s spoken openly about them — but also, if he can get back to his old form, he would be an ideal fit next to his championship frontcourt partner.

4 years ago – via Twitter sam_amick

Sam Amick: The meeting that sealed this deal included LeBron, his @KlutchSports agent, Rich Paul, & Magic Johnson at one of LeBron’s LA homes last night for several hours, as @Ramona Shelburne noted. No one else but those three, and now he’s about to don the purple and gold.

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: The Lakers all planned to congregate at their facility last night for free agent calls. Magic was expected to be there. Instead he was at LeBron’s house— closing.

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: This was a very hush-hush operation. Lakers knew they needed to give Bron space to decide and announce it as he wanted. None of us reporters could even confirm they’d been in touch whereas calls with Cavs & Sixers leaked. Says something on the discipline for all involved

4 years ago – via ESPN

The cheapest Lakers season tickets on StubHub before James’ announcement were $3,499 each. Twenty minutes after the announcement, those same seats were also the cheapest — $5,800 each. After the deal was announced, one person paid $188,781 on StubHub, including fees, for four season tickets. The seats, which are 16 rows up and one section off center, are only for regular-season games and don’t include the playoffs.

4 years ago – via ESPN

In Cleveland, ticket broker Mark Klang, of Amazing Tickets, said he anticipated that the tickets he held for next season would lose 60 percent of their value, the same thing that happened when LeBron left Cleveland the first time to go to Miami.

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

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.

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: The Lakers had felt a sense of urgency this week to find a co-star LeBron — either PG or Kawhi. However when Magic spoke to James late Saturday, he assured them this was a long term play and his decision wouldn’t be affected by a transaction they could make under a time pressure

4 years ago – via Twitter SeanDeveney

Sean Deveney: One name to keep an eye on to join LeBron James with the @Los Angeles Lakers , a source noted: Former @Miami Heat teammate Chris Bosh, who is seeking a return to the league after leaving the game as he was dealing with blood clots.

4 years ago – via Twitter kobebryant

Kobe Bryant: Welcome to the family @LeBron James #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @Jeanie Buss @Magic Johnson and RP well done!!!

4 years ago – via Twitter WillGuillory

Will Guillory: Twelve of the 15 players that made an All-NBA team last year will be in the Western conference next year. That’s insane

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: Kobe Bryant will have a lot to say about LeBron in due time. For now, he says in all caps, “I LOVE IT.”

4 years ago – via Twitter daldridgetnt

David Aldridge: So, why did James pick the Lakers? “He’s earned the right to do what he wants to do,” source involved in the discussion says.

4 years ago – via Twitter Jonathan_Feigen

Jonathan Feigen: No active player in the Eastern Conference has ever been the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.

4 years ago – via Twitter DeMarreCarroll1

DeMarre Carroll: I guess everybody can sign now….. since LBJ committed to the Lakers…Crazy how 1 man hold up Free Agency…😂💯💯💯

4 years ago – via Twitter 35_Fitz

Trevor Booker: The Lakers are now worth 200 billion dollars

4 years ago – via Twitter WindhorstESPN

Brian Windhorst: The fourth season of LeBron’s four-year deal is a player option. It is still the longest deal he’s signed since 2010.

4 years ago – via Twitter TFlight31

Terrence Ross: lol who’s mad i said Cavs of the West? Lemme hear it 🙉

4 years ago – via Twitter troydaniels

Troy Daniels: Wow 🤦🏽‍♂️

4 years ago – via Twitter kylekuzma

Kyle Kuzma: LAKESHOWWWW. @KingJames let’s go my brotha💪🏽 let’s rock

4 years ago – via Twitter JLin7

Jeremy Lin: Whoaaaa….Lebron gone?!? Out the East too lol

4 years ago – via Twitter EBled2

Eric Bledsoe: Didn’t see that one coming

4 years ago – via Twitter ShamsCharania

Shams Charania: LeBron James’ new 4-year, $154M agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers includes an opt out in the fourth year, league sources tell Yahoo.

4 years ago – via Twitter BobbyMarks42

Bobby Marks: Cleveland with the James departure now have $110M in salary and are over the cap. The Cavaliers have use of the $8.6M room midlevel and $3.4M biannual exception but using both would push the Cavaliers into the tax. Cleveland still has bird rights on… espn.com/espn/now?nowId…

4 years ago – via Twitter ZO2_

Lonzo Ball: Y’all really thought he was gonna pass up the greatest city in the world… #TheKingIsHere 👑

4 years ago – via Twitter spidadmitchell

Donovan Mitchell: Gotta love the West😏

4 years ago – via Twitter SDinwiddie_25

Spencer Dinwiddie: Wake up from a nap to see y’all going crazy. Bout time lol

4 years ago – via Twitter JLew1050

Josh Lewenberg: LeBron to the Lakers, and his streak of winning the East ends at 9 straight seasons. The Conference is more wide-open than it’s been in a decade.

4 years ago – via Twitter joshhart

Josh Hart: Wow…..😈😈😈

4 years ago – via Twitter TheTraeYoung

Trae Young: Whaaaaaaaat😳

4 years ago – via Twitter wojespn

Adrian Wojnarowski: LeBron James has agreed to 4-year, $154M deal with Lakers, Klutch Sports says.

4 years ago – via Twitter ShamsCharania

Shams Charania: LeBron James has agreed to a four-year, $154M deal with the Lakers.

4 years ago – via Twitter

Klutch Sports:

pic.twitter.com/zgz8YO7BPn

— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018

4 years ago – via Twitter TheSteinLine

Marc Stein: The level of contact between LeBron James and the Lakers thus far is not yet clear, but one source close to the process tells @NYTSports that LeBron and Lakers lead recruiter Magic Johnson did NOT have dinner together after free agency began at 9:01 PM Los Angeles time last night

4 years ago – via The Ringer

Yes, the Lakers are still favorites—but not total locks—to sign LeBron James, league sources say. For what it’s worth, some executives believe LeBron’s indecision is all theater, and he has already decided on the Lakers as his new team.

4 years ago – via The Ringer

Signing Boogie Cousins could be a sweetener for LeBron. In January 2017, James called Boogie, “the best big man in our game.” LeBron’s praise of Cousins came before the New Orleans big man had suffered a major injury, but sources say he remains interested by the idea of playing with Boogie.

4 years ago – via Twitter AlexKennedyNBA

Alex Kennedy: If you’re betting on LeBron James to the Lakers, you’d have to bet $5,000 just to make $100. (In other words, they think LeBron to L.A. is a done deal.)

https://twitter.com/OddsShark/status/1013149934848274432

4 years ago – via Twitter ramonashelburne

Ramona Shelburne: ESPN producer @Jlshobar shot this of LeBron’s plane landing in LA this morning. Why is he here? Said one source, “He lives here in the summer.”

ESPN producer @Jlshobar shot this of LeBron’s plane landing in LA this morning. Why is he here? Said one source, “He lives here in the summer.” pic.twitter.com/Bax041ov44

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 30, 2018

4 years ago – via lebronwire.usatoday.com

LeBron James has touched down at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, hours ahead of 2018 NBA free agency. While James owns property in LA, the timing of the visit coupled with the absence of a meeting scheduled with Cleveland suggests that his presence in the area could certainly be related to his next free-agent move.

4 years ago – via Twitter ArashMarkazi

Arash Markazi: LeBron James at Van Nuys Airport via @harmer805.

http://twitter.com/ArashMarkazi/status/1013136327242481664

4 years ago – via New York Times

I will continue to say that James owes the Cavaliers nothing, and has nothing to fear about damaging his legacy, if he decides to leave Cleveland again, after delivering in 2016 the championship he promised. I also reject the notion that James will pick the Lakers only if Leonard or George, or both, will join him.

4 years ago – via New York Times

Remember: The most definitive thing we know so far about James’s free-agency leanings is his disclosure after the finals that family considerations will play a bigger role than they have before. If his family decides Los Angeles is where it wants to be full time, it’s not difficult to envision James making the leap with great belief that his presence will help Magic flank him with the requisite help eventually, if not immediately.

4 years ago – via The Athletic

Two years ago, in the weeks and months after the city’s championship parade, the Cavs privately began mentioning the possibility James could leave for Los Angeles in the summer of 2018. Now it could be days from happening.

4 years ago – via Twitter hmfaigen

Harrison Faigen: “I believe that the Lakers have the inside track on getting LeBron”- Windhorst on SportsCenter

4 years ago – via Twitter BobbyMarks42

Bobby Marks: Not surprised by the LeBron decision. The impact is that a sign and trade (see Houston) would likely be off the table because of the hard cap and the pool of teams now shrink to a possible 3…..Cleveland, LA Lakers and Philadelphia.

4 years ago – via RealGM

“Clearly, LeBron is keeping a very close eye on the Lakers. This is my read on the situation: if he opts into his contract, that it pretty much closes the door on him going to the Lakers. It doesn’t necessarily guarantee that he is staying with the Cavs, but I think it’s a really good sign that he will. “If he opts out of the contract, I don’t necessarily think that it means he is leaving the Cavs, but I do think it bodes better for the Lakers if he does that. “There are other teams involved; obviously Houston, Philadelphia etc. But I really think this is a Cleveland or L.A. decision.

4 years ago – via Twitter AlexKennedyNBA

Alex Kennedy: Several veterans have told me they’d settle for a minimum deal with the Lakers if they land LeBron James. All eyes will be on L.A. and very few teams have cap room this summer, so they’d have no trouble adding complementary pieces to fill out the roster: hoopshype.com/2018/06/29/los…

4 years ago – via ESPN

The stakes on these talks are enormous, because a deal for Leonard would likely clinch a free agent commitment out of LeBron James. James has until late Friday night to opt-out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is watching closely how the Lakers proceed with the Leonard talks.

4 years ago – via Twitter SeanDeveney

Sean Deveny: LeBron James could sign with Lakers before roster overhaul, sources tell SN

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2 hours ago – via EuroHoops.net

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Moritz Wagner: “Spending the summer with the guys who make this experience quite unique was my highlight of the year last year and was something I looked forward to with excitement all season. The fact that my ankle isn’t healed is difficult to accept at first, but it’s part of the game. This team is special and I’m looking forward to watching the boys play and supporting them”.

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