After enduring five consecutive seasons without qualifying for the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers successfully reeled in the summer’s biggest prize in free agency by signing 14-time All-Star LeBron James to a four-year, $153 million contract.
In contrast to previous offseasons when the team was often snubbed by top free agents, the Lakers emerged an appealing destination with their promising young core and a plentiful amount of cap space.
For those reasons, the Lakers were long considered overwhelming favorites to lure James away from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The three-time champion’s arrival will undoubtedly change the landscape of the NBA going forward, and further accelerate Los Angeles’ timeline of returning to championship contention.