LeBron James has agreed to a four-year contract worth $154 million with the Los Angeles Lakers, Klutch Sports Group announced on Sunday
It marks the third time in eight seasons James will have changed teams via free agency, following his departure from the Cavaliers to the Heat in 2010 and his return back to the Cavs in 2014.
He also marks the latest superstar to join the Lakers during their storied history, alongside the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal.
Even at 33, James remains one of the NBA’s elite players, ranking among the league leaders in scoring (27.5 points per game) and various advanced measures during his 15th NBA season. He also set career-highs in rebounds (9.1 per game), assists (8.6 per game) and appearances (82 games). It was good enough to finish second in the voting for this season’s Kia MVP, an award he’s already won four times previously.
While James’ previous departures were to ready-made championship contenders, his work will be cut out with a promising but young Lakers team that has missed the playoffs in each of the past five seasons, the longest stretch in franchise history.
James, in contrast, hasn’t missed the postseason since his second NBA season in 2004-05, and has appeared in eight straight Finals.
James’ second departure from his home state of Ohio comes under far different circumstances than the first, which sparked intense anger and disappointment among Cavaliers fan following his announcement on ESPN.
In addition to returning in 2014, James led the Cavaliers to their first championship — and his third — in 2016, a historic comeback from 3-1 down against the defending champion Warriors. He also took a decidedly quieter approach, with the sports agency founded by his agent, Rich Paul, releasing a simple press release.
