Basketball superstar legend LeBron James, arguably the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), signed-up to join the team of his dreams -- the legendary Los Angeles Lakers -- putting an end to rumors that first surfaced in mid-2017.
The King's sports agency, Klutch Sports, tweeted the news Sunday evening, saying LeBron had signed a four-year, $154 million dollar deal with the Lakers. Lakers General Manager Magic Johnson, arguably the LeBron of the 1980s, was ecstatic.
Also thrilled were Lakers fans dreaming of another "Showtime Dynasty" similar to Magic's and Kareem Abdul Jabbar's in 1985, 1987, 1988, and the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal Dynasty from 2000-2002.
"Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson and RP well done!!!" tweeted Lakers owner Jeanie Bus and Magic.
Kobe Bryant tweeted, "Welcome to the family...well done!!!" Kobe remains the most popular NBA baller in China, both in terms of social media popularity and jersey sales. Behind him in popularity is the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin, the first man of Chinese descent to play in the NBA. Lin briefly played for the Shenzhen Leopards in 2011.
LeBron's claim as the GOAT is imposing: three-time NBA champion; four-time NBA MVP; three-time NBA finals MVP; 14-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist. He also led his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to the NBA championship in 2016 in an incredible comeback from 1-3 down against the Golden State Warriors. The crown was Cleveland's first in any professional sports league in over half a century.
The move to LA is LeBron's third team change in eight years after beginning his career with the Cavs; moving to the Miami Heat then back to the Cavs . He became a free agent last week after turning down a $35.6 million contract option for the 2018-19 season with the Cavs. LeBron's departure from the Cavs was apparently hastened by his strained relationship with team owner Dan Gilbert -- mostly on political grounds.
Gilbert is a supporter of Donald Trump while LeBron is the president's most vocal critic in professional sports. James famously condemned Trump as a "bum" for disinviting 2017 NBA champions, Golden State Warriors from visiting the White House.
Gilbert was gracious with the loss of his prized superstar. He wished LeBron well, saying, "We will always remember the evening of June 19, 2016, as the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, ended the 52-year drought delivering the long-elusive championship that many thought they would never see."
Gilbert said this incredible feat united generations of Clevelanders. "LeBron, you came home and delivered the ultimate goal." He said he was grateful for everything LeBron did in a Cavs uniform.
It's not known if LeBron will wear jersey number 23 with the Lakers or number 6. As for who will be Robin to LeBron's Batman, that role now increasingly looks to be filled by Kawhi Leonard, who's definitely leaving the San Antonio Spurs. The NBA's best defensive player has long said he wants to play for the Lakers.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George, an LA native, was first tipped for the role as LeBron's partner but George on July 1 agreed to re-sign with the Thunder for $137 million.
Apart from the lure of LA, a city LeBron loves and where he owns multiple million-dollar homes, the move also brings him closer to Hollywood. That LeBron's crazy about Hollywood is no secret. The man co-owns a production company, SpringHill Entertainment, currently working on a reboot of 1990's comedy movie series and cult classic, "House Party."
James also voiced a role in "Smallfoot," a 3D computer-animated, comedy-adventure film from Warner Animation Group scheduled for release this September. He voiced the role of Gwangi, a huge Yeti. The movie is about a Yeti (or Abominable Snowman) convinced that elusive creatures known as "Smallfoot" (humans) really do exist.
