In today's world where social media seems to be as important as breathing, LeBron James' decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and head to the Los Angeles Lakers affected the teams' respective Twitter accounts.
As observed by Legion Hoops, the Lakers got over 40,000 new followers when the big news was announced. The Cavs, meanwhile, lost almost 4,000.
The Lakers and Cavs Twitter followers count the day of LeBron’s decision – people go where the King goes. pic.twitter.com/0rwWqGJndb
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 6, 2018
The numbers are probably still ballooning right now for the Lakers. They might have caught this year's biggest fish in the free agency market. But they are not yet done. Rumors continue to circulate that they are arranging a package in exchange for Kawhi Leonard who wants don the purple and gold. And this rumor alone will be attracting more giddy fans.
Several Laker heads flocked to Staples Center to welcome James and celebrate. Per Josh Peter and A.J. Perez of USA Sports Today:
“It just felt right as a Lakers fan, to come touch home base,’’ David Moghavem, 25, said of his decision to drive to Staples Center on Sunday night. “This is what the Lakers do.’’
The Cavaliers, meanwhile, are picking up the pieces. They still have a superstar caliber player left in Kevin Love. But he alone cannot power his team to the NBA Finals (and maybe even the playoffs) they way James did effortlessly in his second stint there.
Meanwhile, Cavaliers fans accepted James' decision wholeheartedly. According to an Ohio native:
“It’s sad, but I’m excited for him,’’ said Heidepriem, 20, who is in Southern California for a summer internship. “I want to see him win some (championship) rings, show people why he’s the G.O.A.T.’’
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