The Los Angeles Lakers have the new face of their current franchise with LeBron James committing to the playing in Southern California for at least the next three seasons.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN, who has been pretty in tune with LeBron over the years, thinks that he went to Los Angeles because he feels like his legacy is already set.

“LeBron is coming here because it’s a wonderful great place to live & a wonderful great place to enjoy playing in the NBA & at this age of his career where he believes his legacy is set & that what he does here in L.A. won’t define it.”

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If that is actually what James thinks makes more sense as to why he signed the long-term contract with the Lakers, and why they are adding a bunch of one-year contracts. It will make them competitive but they are also going to be ready to make a splash for Kawhi Leonard next offseason. There is still a chance that the Lakers will still try to get Leonard this offseason, but it might make sense this year for the Lakers to try and compete with what they have, not give up the assets and then hope they can convince Leonard to join forces next season.

This Lakers team is no question better than last year, and be competitive but the question is how much better? It appears that maybe LeBron doesn't care, he is in it for the long haul and his legacy can't be diminished.