LOS ANGELES – Basketball’s most dominant player, Lebron James, agreed to a king-sized deal with the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday, quelling speculation about his future and sending a California-sized buzz around the sports world as the NBA’s free agency kicked off in the most spectacular way possible.
The deal, 4 years, $157 million, was confirmed in a short Tweet sent out by James’ management team, Klutch Sports. “Welcome to the family,” tweeted Kobe Bryant.
Other Laker greats reacted via Twitter including Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who said that the Lakers are a “smidgen” away from contenting. “I am sure the Lakernation is rejoicing,” Tweeted Abdul-Jabbar. “The acquisition of LeBron James means that the Lakers are just a smidgen away from being real contenders.”
There were several less glamorous transactions that pale in comparison to the magnitude of the James signing.
Orlando Magic Power forward Aaron Gordon reached an agreement to return to the Orlando Magic, various outlets reported Sunday. Gordon, who was selected in the first round of the 2014 draft by Orlando, reportedly agreed to a $84 million deal for four years.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Forward Paul George agreed to a maximum deal worth $137 million over four years, according to ESPN. The deal includes a player option.
The league’s July moratorium prohibits teams from completing trades and signing players.
The prohibition ends on July 6th.