The Los Angeles Laker entered this offseason with plenty of hope to possibly land a marquee free agent in order help quickly turn around the franchise's fortunes. The front office was able to accomplish that in a major way by being able to acquire All-Star forward LeBron James on a four-year, $153 million deal.
It was a move that was long in the making as the team had shifted its roster and salary cap situation to put them in the position to appear to be a desirable landing spot for James. According to Bob Garcia IV of Sports Out West, general manager Rob Pelinka stated during Wednesday's press conference that the addition of the 33-year-old was a “culmination of everything” the team had been working toward.
Rob Pelinka on LeBron James addition: "It was the culmination of everything we have been working for."
(h/t @SpectrumSN) #lakers #LakeShow— Bob Garcia IV (@bgarciaivsports) July 11, 2018
It had been a move months in the making as the Lakers had begun this process by bringing in a promising group of young talent through last year's draft with the selections of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart all in the first round. Each of these players has shown plenty of potential to develop into high-impact players that could be a part of something special in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the front office has made moves to free up more salary cap space with the trade D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets that brought aboard Brook Lopez's expiring deal that opened up over $20 million. The team also made the trade deadline deal to move Jordan Clarkson's $12.5 million salary off the books while adding another expiring deal in former All-Star Isaiah Thomas that has given way to more cap space.
It was a series of methodical moves that have worked out great in the Lakers' favor that have helped them land the best player in the league this offseason. All of this has now set the table for what should be an exciting 2018-19 season with James leading the charge.
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