Why LeBron James Should Join The Lakers This Summer
With NBA free agency coming up on July 1st, the big fish in this year’s class is LeBron James. James, who will have teams pursuing his services, could end up in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James’ free agency decision will likely come down to either going to the Lakers or re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s not surprising because he owns homes in both cities. When it’s all said and done, the Lakers should be the team he chooses. Here are three reasons why he should join the purple and gold:
First reason: Salary Cap/Flexibility
When James was a free agent in 2010 and 2014, both the Miami Heat and Cavaliers had cap space and flexibility to work with. Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and General Manager Rob Pelinka have followed that blueprint. The Lakers will have enough salary cap space this summer to sign two star players.
James loves rosters that are flexible and can allow him to team with an all star or two. Another key thing he likes are good three point shooters, and the Lakers are starting to add that. They drafted Michigan big man Moritz Wagner 25th overall in the first round, who’s a stretch four and has a good basketball IQ.
Reason Two: Better Ownership
We all know James and Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert don’t have the best working relationship. The letter Gilbert wrote in 2010 after his departure which he called him a quitter still stings.
Historically, the Lakers organization have been been known to take care of its star players. So a potential working relationship between James and the Lakers will be very beneficial for both sides. They both think big and have winning as the number one priority which is a huge plus.
Reason Three: Legacy
James’ legacy is set after bringing the city of Cleveland its first title since 1964 two seasons ago. It’s also nothing wrong with adding to it. Ever since the Lakers moved to Los Angeles, they’ve hardly had a playoff drought.
After another disappointing 2017-18 season which ended with a 35-47 record, the playoff drought increased to five seasons in a row. James knows the Lakers definitely need his star power to get them out of the rut they’re in. The opportunity to win a championship in a Lakers uniform would add to his legacy. It definitely wouldn’t surpass the one in Cleveland, but taking on the challenge and leading the Lakers back to greatness again will be another notch he can add to his belt.
