LeBron James‘ 2018 free agency was always a two-horse race between the Lakers and Cavaliers, Brian Windhorst of ESPN said on SportsCenter, noting that the meeting with the Sixers earlier today was a mere courtesy.
The decision to move to Los Angeles had been in the back of James’ mind for a while now, leaving the Lakers in the driver’s seat for the past three weeks with little left to do but not blow it.
In the television interview, Windhorst spoke of the exodus of the King’s staffers, who relocated from Miami to the west coast during James’ second stint with the Cavaliers, and the fact that his wife has been looking at Los Angeles schools for the past year.
With James already in hand, Magic Johnson simply had to close the deal and, as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne adds, was actually at James’ residence when free agency officially began.
There’s more out of Los Angeles tonight:
- One name to keep an eye on as a potential Lakers addition is free agent big man Chris Bosh, Sean Deveney of The Sporting News writes. Bosh played alongside James for four years in Miami but has been out of the game since February, 2016 after being diagnosed with life-threatening blood clots. A comeback would require some additional paperwork but a successful return would not impact the Heat’s payroll.
- There’s a chance that Brook Lopez ends up back in Los Angeles now that much of the team’s available cap space has been tied up in James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Keith Smith of RealGM tweets. Lopez was under contract for $22MM with the Lakers in 2017/18 and averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
- The Lakers are one of three teams that Nerlens Noel has narrowed his free agency decision down to, Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports tweets. Noel is represented by Rich Paul, the same agent that represents James and Caldwell-Pope. The Wizards and Thunder are the other two teams on Noel’s short list.
Noel might go to Lakers bc he’s under same agency
He will. He’s always wanted to plead with LeBron. The two of them have spoke of it before.
The guy has proven himself to be a disaster. Jealous of the Lakers for getting LeBron. But Noel brings very little to the table. Maybe coming off the bench being Randle will make him tolerable. But don’t know why LeBron would want to play alongside him.
Yoooo Chris Bosh would literally be a perfect fit if he can play. He can guard every position and protect the rim, and can shoot, playmake out of the high post, at the elbow, take guys off the dribble, finish at the rim, etc. Pretty much everything you want a modern day big to do and more. What an unbelievable story it would be to see that too
He used to be able to do all that…..
It’s been 2 years, just sayin!
Chris bosh would be amazing at a discounted rate. Would love that signing, lakers about to be deep as hell. Lets goooooo!!
The experience, knowledge, & physical presence of Bosh would be amazing.
Multiple position player where needed
The problem with Bosh is he’s been out of the league for two years, who’s to say he’s still the player he was? Not to mention he still needs to be cleared, something that hasn’t happen yet.
A 33 yr old Bosh, whos been out of the league for 2 years, and didnt play more than 53 games his his last 2 years in the league is gonna legitimize this band of misfits? Still not a top 4 team as it sits now.
LaBron cant help with horrific 3 point shooting
Who knows? Maybe Magic and Kobe jump back in uniform. Gonna need a supporting cast.
Noel is unnecessary since they got Javale Mcgee.
Keeping Lopez is not a bad choice, he is local & wants to play for the Lakers (who doesn’t), also is a very effective offensive center, great shooting long range & great protecting the rim, he cannot rebound for his life… but you have Ball, LBJ, Ingram, Kuzma & maybe JR that can do that, so I think it would be a good move, always liked Lopez, he has always been underrated, but dude average 20PPG over 9 years in Brooklyn, pretty impressive, right?
Lakers awaiting on Boogie or Capela….
If none sign, Randle stays!
Personally, I’d just straight up sign Randle now, kids about to be a top 5 center in the league and would flourish with James by his side!
IF, IF Bosh signs, Wade to follow suit…. you heard it here first!