LOS ANGELES — Every parking spot in the practice facility’s lot was filled, with television trucks spilling into the surrounding streets in all directions. Every seat at the makeshift press conference was occupied, leading more than 100 media members to form a standing-room-only semi-circular blob around the podium. His every movement—from the first glimpse of his new yellow jersey to multiple photo shoots and on to a half-dozen chats—was documented by a roving band of tweeters and Instagrammers. His every word during a 12-minute group interview was aired live on national television.
LeBron James guaranteed this conflagration when he announced his decision to join the Lakers in July.