Like a movie with a predictable plot, many of us saw LeBron James signing with the Los Angeles Lakers a mile away.
But the news of "The Decision 3" still had the internet buzzing all Sunday night.
Fast forward to Monday and we've had a day to marinate on what LeBron to L.A. means for his legacy, the Lakers and the rest of the NBA.
Like a mega-budget Hollywood movie, the Lakers are going to need at least one more star (preferably two) to legitimately compete for a championship.
And from the looks of it, that next star may have to come in the form of a trade. Paul George's surprising decision to resign with Oklahoma City dashed the Lakers hopes of signing two stars without squandering the core of their roster or draft picks. Now, L.A. will have to pull off a major trade to potentially pick up DeMarcus Cousins and/or Kawhi Leonard. Magic Johnson will have to pull another rabbit out of the hat to keep LeBron happy, unless you believe he came to L.A. to play with Javale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo.
From "The Decision" to "For immediate release"
LeBron took plenty of criticism for "taking the easy way out" after joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami way back in 2010. It wasn't just that he left Cleveland, but how he did it that angered everyone outside of us good, upstanding citizens of Miami.
Many still haven'tlet go of forgotten the "Not one, not two, not three" welcome party at the Triple A.
Fast forward eight years later, in many ways his decision to sign with the Lakers yesterday is just the opposite of that.
James leaves the relative ease of the Eastern Conference where he made eight straight NBA Finals appearances, to join a Western Conference anchored by the juggernaut Golden State Warriors and flanked by the Houston Rockets among other tough teams out West.
Even the manner in which he announced his choice, a press release through his sports agency, was more measured and mature than 2010.
Lights, camera, action
The off-court ventures is where the move to Los Angeles makes the most sense for LeBron. With his eyes set on becoming a billionaire and potentially owning an NBA franchise like Michael Jordan, what better place to surround yourself with other rich and famous people than L.A. (sorry New York). James already has a boatload of endorsements along with lifetime deal with Nike in tow. His revenue stream will only widen in California.
Also, in case you haven't noticed LeBron also has a serious interest in movies. He owns his own film production company, loves to watch movies and already has a few dozen credits as an actor and producer. In the coming years don't be surprised to see LeBron show face in a number of big screen projects, maybe even a Space Jam 2.
Kobe or LeBron
This is what I'm going to enjoy watching unfold the most. Die hard Laker and Kobe fans have made a habit of dogging LeBron for years. The LeBron/Kobe debate has fueled countless barbershop debates and filled Facebook comment sections. Now, LeBron and his bandwagon fans are claim the purple and yellow and OG Laker fans can't deal.
I can't wait for basketball season. Is it October yet?
But the news of "The Decision 3" still had the internet buzzing all Sunday night.
LeBron James has agreed to 4-year, $154M deal with Lakers, Klutch Sports says.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
Fast forward to Monday and we've had a day to marinate on what LeBron to L.A. means for his legacy, the Lakers and the rest of the NBA.
Press play in L.A.
Simply adding James to the current Laker roster turns them into an instant playoff team next season. However, its obvious Los Angeles is a long ways away from helping LeBron conquer the West and make his ninth straight NBA Finals appearance.
And from the looks of it, that next star may have to come in the form of a trade. Paul George's surprising decision to resign with Oklahoma City dashed the Lakers hopes of signing two stars without squandering the core of their roster or draft picks. Now, L.A. will have to pull off a major trade to potentially pick up DeMarcus Cousins and/or Kawhi Leonard. Magic Johnson will have to pull another rabbit out of the hat to keep LeBron happy, unless you believe he came to L.A. to play with Javale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo.
From "The Decision" to "For immediate release"
LeBron took plenty of criticism for "taking the easy way out" after joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami way back in 2010. It wasn't just that he left Cleveland, but how he did it that angered everyone outside of us good, upstanding citizens of Miami.
Many still haven't
Fast forward eight years later, in many ways his decision to sign with the Lakers yesterday is just the opposite of that.
James leaves the relative ease of the Eastern Conference where he made eight straight NBA Finals appearances, to join a Western Conference anchored by the juggernaut Golden State Warriors and flanked by the Houston Rockets among other tough teams out West.
Even the manner in which he announced his choice, a press release through his sports agency, was more measured and mature than 2010.
LeBron has announced he’s joining the Lakers. Here’s the press release. pic.twitter.com/cxXdoETq0o— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 2, 2018
Lights, camera, action
The off-court ventures is where the move to Los Angeles makes the most sense for LeBron. With his eyes set on becoming a billionaire and potentially owning an NBA franchise like Michael Jordan, what better place to surround yourself with other rich and famous people than L.A. (sorry New York). James already has a boatload of endorsements along with lifetime deal with Nike in tow. His revenue stream will only widen in California.
Also, in case you haven't noticed LeBron also has a serious interest in movies. He owns his own film production company, loves to watch movies and already has a few dozen credits as an actor and producer. In the coming years don't be surprised to see LeBron show face in a number of big screen projects, maybe even a Space Jam 2.
Kobe or LeBron
This is what I'm going to enjoy watching unfold the most. Die hard Laker and Kobe fans have made a habit of dogging LeBron for years. The LeBron/Kobe debate has fueled countless barbershop debates and filled Facebook comment sections. Now, LeBron and his bandwagon fans are claim the purple and yellow and OG Laker fans can't deal.
LeBron to the Lakers is like a woman discussing with her girls for years how sorry and trash a particular man is and now she's in a relationship with that guy. The friends are stuck between wanting to support their girl and maintaining an inherent hate for the guy.I feel so fuckin conflicted. Lebron to Lakshow ......but Kobe .... I just ....i can't...— LISTEN TO MY PODCAST EXTRA GRAVY SHOW (@ThatDudeMCFLY) July 2, 2018
I can't wait for basketball season. Is it October yet?
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