LA now has a King. LeBron James is officially a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Summer of LeBron lasted one day. LeBron James is signing a 4-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. This time, there was no “Decision” television broadcast. There was no “coming home” article. A simple release from Klutch Sports Group (LeBron’s management company) announced that King James was taking his talents to Los Angeles.
LeBron James now joins the long list of legendary players to wear the gold and purple jerseys. Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and now LeBron James.
Two of the three dominoes have fallen in the NBA free agency saga. Paul George is staying with the Thunder and LeBron is going to the Lakers. The last domino will involve Kawhi Leonard. Will he sign the supermax in San Antonio or will he be traded to Philly, Boston, or the team that wants to pair Leonard with LeBron, the Lakers?
While we wait on the status Kawhi Leonard, the LeBron James signing not only affects the Lakers but more importantly, it changes the landscape of the entire NBA. LeBron will turn the Lakers into a championship contender. This also means that LeBron makes the West even more stacked as the Lakers will look to compete with the Warriors and Rockets for Conference supremacy.
That being said, for the first time since 2010, a team without LeBron James will represent the Eastern Conference. Using “LeBron James beat us” as an excuse will no longer fly. In other words, it’s put up or shut up.
The Boston Celtics no longer have to lose to LeBron in the Eastern Conference Finals. Philly might be able to complete the process now. The Toronto Raptors do not have to fire their coach after a series loss to LeBron.
Big win for the Raptors
pic.twitter.com/DEyJzFUXE4 — SB Nation (@SBNation) July 2, 2018
The East is now wide open thanks to LeBron’s departure. The thorn in every Eastern Conference team’s side is now banished to the other side of the country. No more excuses. It’s time for Boston, Toronto, Philly, or Washington to finally claim the throne as best in the East. LeBron is now the Western Conference’s problem.
That is until LeBron makes the NBA Finals and beats the East again.