Magic Johnson’s late push swayed LeBron James’ move to Los Angeles

The Lakers would surely still love to land Leonard to give them two bonafide stars and a shot at contending for a championship this year.

James had one of his best seasons in 2017-18, playing all 82 games for the first time and averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 9.1 assists, while making 54.2% of his shots and 36.7% of his 3-point attempts. This move seemed to be inevitable after months of speculation that he would leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and head to L.A. where he owns a home and where he can align his business interests.

James’ agency – Klutch Sports Group – announced his decision via a press release on Twitter just after 1am United Kingdom time on Monday.

James isn’t expected to drag his choice out over several days. He left Cleveland for the Miami Heat in 2010 to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh ― the duo won two National Basketball Association championships during their four seasons together before James elected to return to Cleveland.

Sources said Caldwell-Pope will re-sign on a one-year, $12 million deal and that Stephenson has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal.

A lot of fans are shocked by the 33-year old’s move to Los Angeles.

James wasn’t planning to have any face-to-face meetings, but Saturday night he met with Johnson, who sold him on his vision for the Lakers, the person told AP.

In 2014 however, he finally returned to his roots and rejoined the Cavaliers where he has been for the past four years.

How much money will LeBron James make with the Lakers?

The Cavs, on the other hand, have been mostly operating in the dark.

Durant will be paid about $30.5 million this coming season, about $5 million less than he could have commanded if the deal was structured differently.

The Lakers haven’t made the playoffs in five years.

James’ agency announced his four-year, $153.3 million deal with the National Basketball Association giants on Sunday, and Ibrahimovic immediately took to Twitter to welcome the new King of the West. The two were rumored to have dinner late Saturday in Los Angeles, but that report was later denied.

Wine-and-gold vs. Purple-and-gold. Well, at least young and outspoken centre Embiid isn’t.

“The Lakers are FOREVER gonna be Kobe’s and Magic’s team….”

James already had his mind made up and his Klutch Sports Group representatives were just doing due diligence at that point.