LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The news was announced by James’ agency, Klutch Sports Group, on Sunday night, sending shockwaves across the NBA and its fans.
James, 36, is a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP, and 17-time All-Star. He led the Cavaliers to their first and only title in 2016, ending a 52-year championship drought for the city of Cleveland.
However, he also endured a tumultuous relationship with the team’s owner, Dan Gilbert, and clashed with some of his teammates and coaches. He was widely expected to leave the Cavaliers after they were swept by the Golden State Warriors in the 2023 NBA Finals.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are one of the most storied franchises in sports, with 16 championships and a legacy of legends such as Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal.
But they have also fallen on hard times in recent years, missing the playoffs for six straight seasons and struggling to attract marquee free agents.
By signing James, the Lakers hope to restore their glory and compete for another title in a loaded Western Conference. They also have a young core of talented players such as Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart, as well as cap space to add another star next summer.
James will also have the opportunity to expand his off-court interests in Hollywood, where he has already produced several movies and TV shows through his company, SpringHill Entertainment.
James is widely regarded as one of the best players in NBA history, and some consider him the greatest of all time. He ranks third on the all-time scoring list, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. He is also the only player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists per game for his career.
