Go West, LeBron James.
James agreed to a four-year contract with the Lakers, his agency announced Sunday night. The four-time NBA MVP will leave the Cavaliers for a second time. James, who has represented the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals eight straight seasons with the Heat and Cavaliers, agreed to a $154 million deal.
In a simple statement, Klutch Sports said: “LeBron James, four-time NBA MVP, three time NBA Finals MVP, 14 time NBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold medalist has agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.”
James was just as succinct in his announcement as he posted on Instagram: “Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible 4 seasons. This will always be home.”
James opted out of the final year of his contract with the Cavaliers on Friday. He was due $35.6 million. The Cavaliers were swept by the Warriors in the NBA Finals last month in the fourth straight championship series between the teams. The Warriors won three of the titles but the Cavaliers championship in 2016, coming back from a 3-1 deficit, was the first professional title for the city of Cleveland in 52 years.
According to reports, James will earn $35.65 million next season, followed by $37.43 million, $39.21 million and $41 million in ensuing years. There is reportedly an opt out in the fourth year.
James averaged 27.5 points, a career–high 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds last season where he appeared in every game and led the league in minutes for the second straight year.
James going to the Lakers shifts the balance of power in the Eastern Conference and creates an even more crowded Western Conference.
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