LeBron James signs four-year, $154 million deal with Los Angeles Lakers

James will now compete directly with Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and the Warriors not only in the Western Conference, but in the Pacific Division. Hollywood just got one of sports’ biggest stars. Not only do they get to keep the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals MVP, but they also get some financial flexibility in the deal. He returned to the Cavs in 2014 after four seasons in Miami.

Then there is Kawhi Leonard – the Sixers believe they are seriously in the mix to land him.

James and the Cavaliers had been beaten in three out of four NBA Finals by the Warriors since 2015. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no one authorized that detail be released publicly.

His decision comes a day after Paul George chose to re-sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder without even taking a meeting with the Lakers, the team he grew up rooting for.

But money and years of security were less a concern than being able to play for a title contender. And the simplistic nature and the source of his announcement were nearly as surprising as the news itself.

Much like the Lakers, the Sixers lack postseason experience and James would be surrounded by players who have barely tasted the postseason.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported James flew into Los Angeles prior to the start of free agency.

Every move he makes, every quote he gives, every single thing he does from now until he announces his decision will be overblown to frankly ridiculous proportions.

Not now, anyway, and barring a trade not for at least three years in what will be considered a massive victory for the Thunder and general manager Sam Presti.

“I’m here to stay”, George told the crowd at the party.

Houston Rockets star James Harden. Since signing with the Heat back in 2010, James has been to eight consecutive finals, winning titles in 2012, 2013 and 2016. James once called the 27-year-old Cousins “the best big man in our game”. But if the Lakers become a legitimate threat to sign Cousins, it’ll be interesting to see if the Pelicans are pressured to offer him a longer-term deal.

They were the initial wave.

James has been vacationing in Anguilla with his family and close advisors over the past week or so, where he may have been discussing his options for his next move. That came after the King was spotted landing in Los Angeles.

“Boogie’s fit with James is intriguing if Cousins returns to form, or near form”.

Retired Lakers icon Kobe Bryant also reached out to show his support and excitement, tweeting, “Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson and RP well done!” Ownership and possibly interim president of basketball operations/coach Brett Brown are expected to lead the meeting with James’ representatives, sources said.