Finding out LeBron James was signing with the Los Angeles Lakers was a big moment for Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson, as they landed the big fish of the 2018 offseason. One would think a momentous occasion like that would have happened in dramatic fashion.
Apparently not.
According to Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum SportsNet, Pelinka found out that James chose the Lakers via text message.
Pelinka told Bresnahan:
“The text just said ‘Congrats,’ and it had balloons,” Pelinka said. “It was one of those moments in life you’ll never ever forget.”
Pelinka will never forget that moment, but it has to feel somewhat anti-climactic following James' other free agent signings. Perhaps LeBron is looking to tone things down in his old age.
In 2010, he aired The Decision on ESPN to announce that he was, “Taking his talents to South Beach.” In 2014, he penned a dramatic letter to let the world know he was returning to Cleveland.
This one felt much more low key, and that's fine. LeBron received a world of hate following his decision to go to Miami, and while the hate wasn't there for his return to Cleveland, the wounds never fully healed for some fans.
His agent's text to Pelinka is a little cocky, but it's not nearly as self-centered as James' earlier free agency announcements. James is obviously more mature than he was eight years ago, which is ironic because he's joining a team filled with a young, exuberant players who are all about social media attention.
LeBron certainly loves his social media, too. Perhaps he'll fit in fine with the young Lakers as the old head. Regardless, Pelinka is thrilled that he was the general manager to get this text.
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