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Elise Amendola / Associated Press
For the second time in eight years, LeBron James leaves Cleveland.
Sunday, Klutch Sports Group announced on Twitter James was planning to sign a $ 154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after four years of the Cavaliers' Cleveland and testing the free agency.
Lakers officially returns to the current situation
James' decision catapults the Lakers into rival ranks.
Looking at his numbers, it's not hard to see why. At the age of 33, James produced a sensational 2017-18 campaign with 27.5 points, 9.1 badists and 8.6 rebounds for 54.2% field shot, 36.7% out of three in the field. a league of 36.9 minutes per game.
James' playoff performance was also one for all ages
In 22 appearances he averaged 34.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 9.0 badists and led the Cavaliers to their fourth consecutive final of the NBA
. thus, he became the first player in the history of the league to get an average of at least 30 points, nine boards and nine sous during a complete series (minimum 15 games played).
These are the kinds of characters that can help turn the Lakers from the West Conference clubs into one of the most compelling clubs in the league.
Beyond James, L.A., will align a core composed of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram. In addition, still has the financial flexibility to make another maximum level splash.
This group will need time together to pose a threat to the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, of course. At this point, however, he possesses the mix of established talent and the necessary back to make serious noise in due course.
The Cavs do not have an easy road to rebuild
For the Cavaliers, James' decision is a big punch.
It was the difference between the annual title contention and the residency in the Purgatory of the Eastern Conference, and it goes without saying that his departure will send Cleveland into reconstruction mode as the franchise deals with. another change of the guard.
Here's the problem: The Cavaliers do not have a foolproof road to speed up a rebuild.
Kevin Love is the only major commercial chip in Cleveland, baduming choice # 8 Collin Sexton is out of the table, and the Cavs are not flush with coins to swing back choice.
George Hill ($ 19 million), Tristan Thompson ($ 17.5 million), JR Smith ($ 14.7 million) and Jordan Clarkson ($ 12.5 million) next season, and their trading values are not in a place where Cavaliers can extract a significant return.
