The Lakers have signed LeBron James to a four-year max-contract deal. Late last night, it was reported that President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson met with James personally at his residence.
How did the Lakers close this? Magic Johnson went to one of LeBron’s houses in LA late Saturday night and met with him for several hours.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
It has been known that James has the utmost respect for Johnson. Although earlier reports came out this morning stating that James and the Lakers did not meet in person, it is safe to say that those reports were untrue.
The Lakers were planning to meet together as a group in their training facility last night to discuss and go over their free agency plan, but Johnson was noticeably absent, reportedly meeting and talking with James during that time.
The Lakers all planned to congregate at their facility last night for free agent calls. Magic was expected to be there. Instead he was at LeBron’s house— closing.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
This meeting between arguably two of the greatest players of all-time was kept in the dark until James made his decision to sign with LA.
This was a very hush-hush operation. Lakers knew they needed to give Bron space to decide and announce it as he wanted. None of us reporters could even confirm they’d been in touch whereas calls with Cavs & Sixers leaked. Says something on the discipline for all involved
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
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