In the weeks leading up to the start of 2018 NBA free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers steadily began to emerge as the frontrunner to sign LeBron James. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers both remained hopeful they would land the 14-time All-Star.
Rampant speculation gave way to a quick decision from James, as he agreed to a four-year, $153 million contract with the Lakers. That James signed with Los Angeles ultimately did not come as much of a surprise, but the multi-year deal was not something that could’ve been foreseen.
On the other hand, that James is setting himself up to close out his career under the Hollywood lights fits with his vision of always looking ahead.