Watching one of the greatest players of a generation and possibly in the history of a league is a rare opportunity. Seeing that player suit up for your team is an even rarer and more delightful opportunity.
The Los Angeles Lakers and their fans now have that opportunity.
After much rumor and speculation, LeBron James has announced his intention to join the Los Angeles Lakers via Klutch Sports.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
The announcement puts an end to a long, long run of speculation that began a year ago. Jeanie Buss and Maverick Carter’s meeting last summer drew eyeballs and raised questions. As the Cleveland Cavaliers struggled from the onset of the season and the Los Angeles Lakers proved to be a surprising upstart team, the rumors only continued to grow.
A trade-deadline deal between the Lakers and Cavaliers involving Jordan Clarkson, Isaiah Thomas and a first-round pick opened up the cap space for the Lakers to acquire two max free agents, a move questioned by many at the time as Cleveland seemingly opened up a path for James to head west.
The rumors did not die down even in the postseason as James carried Cleveland to the NBA Finals for the fourth-straight season. As the off-season began, the smoke only continued building with James’ family rumored to be a determining factor in the process.
At the end of the day, though, the opportunity to move to Califonia to pursue off-court ventures while playing with the Lakers and another max-level free agent was too much to pass.
Now, Laker fans will once more have an opportunity to see one of the greatest ever don the purple and gold, an opportunity that should never be taken for granted.
Welcome to Los Angeles, LeBron.
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