According to LeBron’s representative Klutch Sports, James has officially signed a 4-year, $154 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron became a free agent when he turned down a $36 million option with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The announcement was made through his agency, Klutch Sports Group, which announced the deal as $154 million. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the fourth year is a player option. It is the longest deal James has signed since inking a six-year contract with theĀ Miami HeatĀ in 2010. His previous three deals were three years or shorter.
James leaves his hometown teamĀ as a free agent for the second time in his career. Four years ago, James had stated his intention to finish his career with theĀ Cleveland Cavaliers. Whether the four-time MVP and 14-time All-Star does that or not, he certainly has left his mark on his city.
James, 33, thanked his home area in an Instagram story. He wrote in text overlaying a photo from the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title victory parade, “Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible 4 seasons. This will always be home.”
He delivered the first championship to the sports-obsessed city in 52 years and did so with storybook gusto, helping the Cavaliers become the first team in NBA Finals history to rally from a 3-1 series deficit to win it all. The team he took down, theĀ Golden State Warriors, had the best regular-season record in league history, at 73-9.
NBA players past and presentĀ reacted on Twitter too.
Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness @JeanieBuss @MagicJohnson and RP well done!!! šš¾
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 2, 2018
I am sure the Lakernation is rejoicing The acquisition of LeBron James means that the Lakers are just a smidgen away from being real contenders. Congrats to @MagicJohnson & @LALakersLive et al. Cross your fingers for news from San Antonio.
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) July 2, 2018
“Words do not express the meaning and the feeling this accomplishment brought to the people of Northeast Ohio,” Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said in a lengthy statement thanking James.
“None of this would have happened if LeBron James did not agree to come back home and lead the Cavaliers to the promised land. LeBron is a family man, first. We wish his kids, his wife, Savannah, his mother, Gloria, and LeBron himself nothing but the best in the years and decades ahead.”
“LeBron’s connection to Akron, Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio will most certainly endure as his commitment to the region and his support of many important causes has been impactful to so many kids and families.Ā LeBron, you came home and delivered the ultimate goal. Nothing but appreciation and gratitude for everything you put into every moment you spent in a Cavaliers uniform. We look forward to the retirement of the famous #23 Cavs jersey one day down the line …”