During this past NBA season, the rumors about LeBron James going to the Los Angeles Lakers picked up steam as each month went by. According to Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated, that may have been the case:
“James was leaning toward L.A. for days, and according to those outside his direct orbit, for months.”
Once James committed to the Lakers, the team didn't waste any time signing veteran players, albeit unexpected ones. Most believed the Lakers would land Paul George or trade for Kawhi Leonard, but instead they signed Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and JaVale McGree. Those shouldn't be surprising pickups if you take James' comments during the playoffs into account, though.
During James's last days with the Cavaliers, as he fell to Golden State for the third time in four Finals, he repeatedly espoused the importance of intellect on the court. “In order to win, you've got to have talent, but you've got to be very cerebral,” he said. “Listen, we're all NBA players. Everybody knows how to put the ball in the hoop. But who can think throughout the course of the game?” Once, he mentioned Rajon Rondo by name, in underlining the collective IQ of the 2008 Celtics.
James is smart and knows what he is doing by going to the Lakers, and by bringing in these type of veterans to help mold their young core, the Lakers will be one of the more interesting teams to follow next season.
Follow Us
Subscribe