That didn’t take long.
Two days after he opted out in Cleveland, LeBron James agreed to a four-year, $154-million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers President Magic Johnson met with the 33-year-old James Saturday night at 9:01 Pacific Time and the two talked face-to-face for three hours, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported on air. The two had never met face-to-face prior to that meeting.
“Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible four seasons. This will always be my home,” he said on Instagram.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) July 2, 2018
The Lakers are also pursuing Kawhi Leonard via trade, per ESPN.
Sources: As trade talks have unfolded, Kawhi Leonard’s focus is unchanged: He wants to be a Laker. https://t.co/0wZGf5MrNt
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
The Internet reacted with predictable hilarity, including having some fun with the Ball family.
The greatest Laker of all-time and Kobe. pic.twitter.com/oWD1f2DZOQ
— Thomas Duffy (@TJDhoops) July 2, 2018
With the addition of James, six of the eight leading scorers in NBA history will have played for the Lakers.
Baylor, West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Kobe, Shaq, and now, LeBron. Damn. https://t.co/MlOhXZrKO5
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) July 2, 2018
Lavar Ball showing up to the Lakers front office when LeBron James starts talking about trading Lonzo Ballpic.twitter.com/B1tJI8oV4O
— William DuPont (@WilliamDuPontJ5) July 2, 2018
“As soon as I sign with the Lakers, I’m gonna have your ass traded.’ https://t.co/B89VvJrRov
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) July 2, 2018
The LeBron Effect. pic.twitter.com/Kru5UsW8g4
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) July 2, 2018
Six of the top eight scorers in NBA history have played for the Lakers, per ESPN. pic.twitter.com/SnOG6xhpj0
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) July 2, 2018
