LeBron James shocked the sports world when he committed to a four-year, $154 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in the first day of free agency after a long saga awaiting his impending decision, even before he became a free agent.
While most were expecting a shorter deal, James signed a long-term deal to make a statement — this wasn't a venture to Los Angeles, but a process — one he and others would need to embrace.
“According to sources close to James, one of the reasons he decided to commit long-term was to set the tone — for himself as much as the organization — that he was going to embrace a process he knew the Lakers were going to have to undergo. Even at age 33, James also believed he had multiple years left in his prime and believed it was a calculated risk that the Lakers could construct a contending team. Whether or not he'll be able to stick to that plan is to be seen. But he went into it with eyes wide open.”
When asked about a potential prediction for games won or a playoff seed, James has been noncommittal, not knowing what to expect. The only thing he's committed for is to work and to make those around him work as well for that common goal.
“We have to take our bumps and our bruises,” LeBron James said on Media Day. “There's going to be good times and there's going to be bad times.”
The Lakers front office has put a mixed crowd of teammates on one-year deals, allowing for maximum flexibility heading into next summer. For now, the process will be all about getting the team's young pieces some playoff experience and ready to contend before reinforcements come in next season.
James is confident he has several years left in his prime, according to Windhorst — something that can prove tough to doubt after seeing him singlehandedly carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals for a fourth straight time at age 33.
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