In a decision that will play a major role in the Western Conference landscape, four-time NBA MVP LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday afternoon, according to Klutch Sports. The details of the contract are below.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania reported that James will have the option to opt out of his contract prior to his fourth season.
LeBron James’ new 4-year, $154M agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers includes an opt out in the fourth year, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2018
This was effectively James’ Decision 3.0, as the superstar forward opted out of his deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last week. The Lakers were always a possibility, though not necessarily a clear frontrunner, to land James.
For the first time in five years, the Warriors will not face James in the NBA Finals. But a loaded Western Conference just got stronger, with the 33-year-old James, still in the prime of his career, joining forces with a young team that will certainly look to add another franchise cornerstone in free agency.
This past season, James averaged 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists on 54.2 percent shooting. He elevated his game to another level in the playoffs, averaging 34 points, 9.1 rebounds, and nine assists.
