LeBron James to sign 4-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers in massive free agency move
- LeBron James is signing a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports.
- James is expected to lure other star players with him to create a super-team and challenger to the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron James will sign a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports.
James became a free agent on Friday by opting out of the final year of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the Lakers rumored to be a contender to land him.
The move is the third of James' career - he left the Cavaliers in 2010 to join the Miami Heat, then left the Heat in 2014 to join the Cavaliers again.
After four straight Finals runs, rumors began circulating last summer that James would consider a move to another team, particularly the Lakers. James has two homes in Los Angeles and a production company in L.A.
In moving, James is expected to try to lure other star players with him to create another super-team and contender to the Golden State Warriors.
Reports in recent days have said the Lakers were trying to trade for Kawhi Leonard, believing the San Antonio Spurs star forward would help lure James to Los Angeles. Cleveland.com's Joe Vardon reported that James' mind would not be made up with or without Leonard landing with the Lakers.
The Lakers appeared to suffer a blow early in free agency when Paul George, reported to be looking at the Lakers in free agency, decided to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking one potential star off the table. The Lakers are still reportedly looking into trades with the Spurs to land Leonard, who reportedly plans to join the Lakers in 2019 when he becomes a free agent.