LeBron James just signed a contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, as announced by Klutch Sports Group, agreeing to a four-year, $154 million deal.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
There have been several rumors of the three-time Finals MVP to head to Los Angeles. It is reported that James declined to exercise his #35.6 million 2018-2019 player option with the Cavaliers, and instead went the free agent route Friday. This is the first time he’s exercised the option in any of his contracts. With the Lakers, ESPN reports that James will earn $35.65 million in his first year with LA, then $37.43 million, $39.21 million, and $41 million to follow.
Known as the NBA’s best player, James is saying goodbye to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time. They drafted him back in 2003. This is the third time in eight years James has changed teams.
Many are welcoming James to the Los Angeles Lakers including Kobe Bryant, and Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, and Ice Cube.
Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson and RP well done!!! 🙌🏾
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 2, 2018
Y’all really thought he was gonna pass up the greatest city in the world… #TheKingIsHere 👑
— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) July 2, 2018
There is a God! Must be Magic! #happydaysarehereagain https://t.co/HUC9QIzzle
— Ice Cube (@icecube) July 2, 2018
The Lakers have also re-signed free-agent guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a one year deal worth $12 million, according to ESPN. They also signed first-round draft pick Moritz Wagner and Kansas guard Malik Newman.
