LeBron James Free Agency: In his decision to join the Lakers

LOS ANGELES – Three days after losing the NBA Finals for the sixth time, LeBron James suffered a root canal. For 72 hours, he remained alone in his Ohio mansion, his wife, and his three children, at an AUA tournament outside the city, surrounded only by of a chef who was preparing meals that he could not eat. As he recovered from a root canal, he reflected on another, more painful and stubborn. The warriors, as usual, gave him something to chew on.

In the two weeks following the final, James held three home meetings with his closest advisers, in which they attempted to identify free destinations. to satisfy his family and finally vault his sworn enemy. Their discussions focused on the Rockets, the 76ers, the Lakers and the Cavaliers. James asked his agent, Rich Paul, to research these organizations and share his comments with him when he returned from vacation in Anguilla

James slowed down his last two free agent decisions, but from the moment his private plane lands. at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles on Saturday he was proceeding with an unusual emergency. He met Paul on Saturday and planned communication with the Cavs, Sixers and Lakers. But he was clearly focused on the new home team. He spoke with Kobe Bryant over the phone and invited Magic Johnson to his home in Brentwood. Late on Saturday night, Johnson clears the door

Much has been done of the Lakers 'quest to acquire Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs or sign Paul George of Thunder as a precursor to James' landing. Johnson, already thrown by George, was not on hand either. James explained that he was in no hurry, even at age 33, and that it was no problem to be the first poster head to cross the door. He wants to build a competitor that lasts and believes that the Lakers own the recruiters, the assets and the salary cap space to do it.

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In Cleveland, James played for Dan Gilbert and Miami for Pat Riley. It refers to Johnson, President Lakers, to a whole new level. In terms of personality, style of play, community involvement and corporate aspirations, there may be only one person in sports, just like James, and that's Johnson. James' associates could feel that the idea of ​​a partnership with Johnson fascinated him.

On Sunday morning, James was having breakfast with his wife on the patio at A Your Health in Brentwood. Gavin Newsom, the Democratic nominee for the governorship of California, stopped at their table and asked where he was going. James remained silent. Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California, also made a leap and delivered her case for the Lakers. There is no doubt that the club's cache has played as important a role in James's thinking as Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. James grew up as a fan of Cowboys and Yankees, but he has never been part of an iconic institution. Even though the Rockets and Sixers are loaded in comparison with the Lakers, they did not capture the imagination in the same way.

On Sunday afternoon, James and his wife returned to Van Nuys airport. They were leaving for the east, this time in Europe, for a trip as a couple. His advisers did not know he was going to pick a team before he left for Europe or after landing, or even after his return. They prepared an old-fashioned press release under Paul's agency headline, Klutch Sports Group, but they were not sure if or when they would distribute it. James telephoned Paul while he was boarding the private plane. "Call the Lakers," he said.

In 1968, Wilt Chamberlain came to Los Angeles from Philadelphia. In 1975, it was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, of Milwaukee. In 1996, it was Shaquille O 'Neal, from Orlando. In 2018, it's LeBron James, and the stakes are not different. In a personal sense, James takes a staggering risk, moving at a relatively advanced age to a place with astronomical expectations and particular pressures. If all goes well, and the Lakers rediscover the glory, he joins the pantheon with Shaq and Kareem. If that's not the case, and they're stuck behind Golden State and Houston, what does it look like? Kobe subtweets? Jabs of LaVar? Diss 21-year-old sidekicks tracks? In Cleveland, James was loved for reasons other than basketball. L.A.'s experience can remind him more of Miami, where it was victory or whatever.

Again, for the best player in the world, it may still be the bargain: Filled Destiny or another June channel. One day, in the next few years, James will not be the best player in the world or the biggest draw of the sport. To win, he will need a lure apart from himself, and it's here that Magic and the Lakers come in. Despite all the recent players in Los Angeles, NBA players almost universally recognize that the Lakers are the most attractive destination in the league. as long as they meet a base for talent and skill. With Johnson and Rob Pelinka, with Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, they crossed the threshold.

Sunday night, James was in Europe, leaving the party behind him. Expect no interviews, no videos, no detailed explanations for at least a month. Changing the team for the third time and leaving Cleveland a second is not a reason to celebrate. He's no closer to the Warriors than he was three weeks ago, except geographically. He embarks on a new road to the north, following the footsteps of legends.