Why did LeBron James sign a 4-year deal with the Lakers?



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LeBron James left his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, again, to fly across the country for a long-term contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. But James did not sign a two-year popular agreement with an opt-out in the second year, which would have given him the opportunity to move elsewhere or sign up for a pay raise in 2019. [19659002Insteadhesignedafour-yeardealworththemaximumof$154millionthattheLakerscouldofferThiskindofbusinesswouldhaveneverbeenonthetablewiththeownerofCavsDanGilbertandGeneralManagerKobyAltmanAndheonlyhastoanswerthefollowingquestion:why?

He trusts Magic Johnson

Johnson was president of the Lakers basketball operations last summer and he claimed that he would restore the importance of his team. the Showtime in the 80s and 90s. This process began with the landing of the biggest star in the universe, but if we learned anything from James' season in Cleveland, that's 39 is that a man can not do it alone

. And after Paul George has shunned his hometown to stay with Russell Westbrook and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers will need more patience now than ever before.

Los Angeles is the favorite to win Kawhi Leonard, whether via direct trade with the San Antonio Spurs or a late acquisition when he becomes a free agent next summer. And the Lakers have filled the list with contracts for a period of one year, ensuring that they will have sufficient ceiling space – with a projected increase of $ 8 million. the salary cap – to recruit another maximum free agent next summer.

More context at the Magic-LeBron meeting on Saturday night. LBJ already strongly envisioned the Lakers but wanted to look Magic in the eye and see if they could find confidence before making a decision, by sources close to the situation.

– Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018

In other words, LeBron and Magic needed to build relationships and build trust. It was not necessary for Magic to make difficult sales. He just had to be real and LeBron obviously had to feel good about the partnership.

– Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) 2 July 2018

The Cavaliers were not able to add more talent around James. When the Warriors signed Kevin Durant, Cleveland got Derrick Williams, Deron Williams and Kyle Korver and made him fall behind the 2017 final, 4-1. When Kyrie Irving left the Cavaliers last season, the Cavs exchanged and then exchanged all the players they had for George Hill, Rodney Hood, Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson. James took this team to the finals this year, only to be swept away from his own field.

The Lakers were not championship contenders this season, but Magic Johnson proved he could add talent. Need a proof? The best player in the world is in his team.

He does not trust Dan Gilbert

After all, it's Gilbert who has described James' first departure as "cowardly betrayal" in an open letter to Cavs fans The old hero of the team, who grew up in the area that he deserted in 2010. And it was Gilbert who was unable to revive the Cavs' lineup after the Warriors landed Kevin Durant and then fired David Griffin then he was on the phone orchestrating a business of Paul George.

If no one liked you, Griff I did it, and I hope everyone in Cleveland! Thank you for what you did for the team for 3 years! We had 1

– LeBron James (@KingJames) June 20, 2017

James and Griffin never had the best relationship, even though the owner of the Cavs would saddle year after year in luxury taxes to pay JR Smith and Tristan Thompson when The King decreed that they would receive their money

He wants to live in Los Angeles

A four-year contract is the maximum term for which he would have could sign, then James could have taken treat for safety. After all, he and his wife, Savannah, own two properties in Los Angeles, and nothing will stop them from buying more if they wish.

James' personal brand will grow even more now than it is in Hollywood, and Los Angeles is where most celebrities end up moving. Maybe his reasoning for signing a four-year contract on the West Coast is not at all related to basketball.

Maybe LeBron James just wants to live in LA

One of the goals of James's sketch list is to play with his son

LeBron James Jr. is 13 and an eighth student up . This means that in four years he could graduate from high school and head to the university. But what happens if & # 39; Bronny & # 39; do not want to go to college? And does he want to create a path to head straight to the NBA starting in grade 12?

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has already spoken at length about the problems of the one-and-done rule that pushes university athletes into the professional ranks. first season. The league instituted a 19-year age limit in 2005, one that drew criticism from players, but was finally reluctantly accepted. The restriction has been in place since then, but Silver's recent comments have given hope to future generations of basketball players.

Four years are enough for Silver to reverse this decision? One thing is certain: he will always be there. Silver signed a contract extension that will keep him as commissioner at least through the 2023-24 season

And if he decides to overturn the age limit of the NBA, LeBron James could become an agent free and sign with any team drafting his son


There are several reasons why the King has signed a four-year contract with his new Los Angeles Lakers team, some of which are related to basketball, d & rsquo; Others not. But the West Coast now has the biggest basketball star in the world. Like it or not, it looks like it's here to stay.

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