LeBron James Signs With The Los Angeles Lakers - 4 Years, 154 Million Dollars

Benjamin1981 · Jul 2, 2018

Interested Observer said:
At what age to basketball players really start to decline? Seems a long contract and a lot of money for a guy his age.

James is right around the age where father time sets in and players begin to regress. But he is freak and takes care of his body like nobody before. I bet he won't lose a single bit in the next 2 to 3 years.

And it's even more impressive when factor in that he essentially played three additional seasons in the last eight years because of his finals appearances every year.

UltraMagnus · Jul 2, 2018

Interested Observer said:
At what age to basketball players really start to decline? Seems a long contract and a lot of money for a guy his age.

34-35 seems like where you start to see a noticeable drop off.

UltraMagnus · Jul 2, 2018

Benjamin1981 said:
James is right around the age where father time sets in and players begin to regress. But he is freak and takes care of his body like nobody before. I bet he won't lose a single bit in the next 2 to 3 years.

Performance Enhancing Drugs are a helluva thing.

JustSomeone · Jul 2, 2018

So next year's NBA finals will be even one sided next year when Golden State's new victim won't even have Lebron

Darkwing-Buck · Jul 2, 2018

still my fav nike commerical

Vyrance · Jul 2, 2018

Good for him for getting that money, don't see the Kakers being that good though

J2C · Jul 2, 2018

For people who watched the Lakers day-to-day, how good is Brandon Ingram? He's still crazy young and came into the league with a lot of expectations. Curious where people are seeing his ceiling now. I can still see him becoming an all-star but don't watch him too often

Darkwing-Buck · Jul 2, 2018

J2 Cool said:
For people who watched the Lakers day-to-day, how good is Brandon Ingram? He's still crazy young and came into the league with a lot of expectations. Curious where people are seeing his ceiling now. I can still see him becoming an all-star but don't watch him too often

Good playmaker, plays decent defense, and can get to the rim.

If his shot was more consistent he'd be an all-star.

It's still put into question if he can ever develop that shot, but his trajectory seems to be going great so far.

He's still a project so nothing is ever sure, but the results in his 2nd year seem optimistic.

TheAvatar · Jul 2, 2018

Darkwing-Buck said:
Normally players his age are literally gassed and have lost a step but Bron is essentially a cyborg.

Once in a generation athlete. His, "twilight", years are probably better then other players primes.

That's how good he is.

Benjamin1981 said:
James is right around the age where father time sets in and players begin to regress. But he is freak and takes care of his body like nobody before. I bet he won't lose a single bit in the next 2 to 3 years.

And it's even more impressive when factor in that he essentially played three additional seasons in the last eight years because of his finals appearances every year.

he may seem invincible but i definitely noticed a lot of slowing down for him last season and in the playoffs, mainly defensively which he would just stand around a lot. I think he'll put some nice stats up, but i could really see him slowing down a lot especially if the supporting cast isn't great, which it doesn't seem like it is for the lakers.

El Toporo · Jul 2, 2018

DetectiveKenobi said:
There were super teams before the Heat. And there have been Super teams since. They always get beaten because people figure them out. People will figure out the Warriors. And then where will KD go?

People *have* figured out the Warriors, see Houston, but it's still incredibly hard to beat them.

MegaBeefBowl · Jul 2, 2018

Didn't LeBron lead in minutes played last season? How is that slowing down? He's older than most and playing way more than any other player.

Gravity Insanity · Jul 2, 2018

DetectiveKenobi said:
There were super teams before the Heat. And there have been Super teams since. They always get beaten because people figure them out. People will figure out the Warriors. And then where will KD go?

The Rockets figured out the Warriors. The Rockets playing iso was killing the Warriors to the point that Mcgee was eliminated from that series. Pretty much all big men from Bell to Looney were getting destroyed in the iso. This was killing the Warriors defensively, but this was mostly effective because Iggy was out with an injury so they had to rely on their young big men and Mcgee was way too slow to be out there. Before when Iggy wasn't injured they were targetting Curry. They attack the weakest link on defense. This was a smart strategy and they're the only team to take this Warrior team to Game 7. I think you have to take into account that this Rocket team just matches up VERY WELL against the Warriors.

If a team were to beat Warriors in the playoffs or finals, in my opinion, I think it will be because of an injury to a key player. It only takes one key player for the whole Warrior team to collapse against a good team. Happened in 2016 and during the Rockets series in which the Warriors got lucky that CP3 was out for the rest of the playoffs.

DJwest · Jul 2, 2018

orochi91 said:
This makes no sense .

How is that Lakers support roster any better than Cleveland's?

Where's the "Kyrie equivalent" on this Lakers team?

How exactly is he gonna get past the Warriors with this team?

Like, what the hell???

I don't think he's going there with the intention of winning, especially if they don't get Kawhi. This team is not making it past the second round

Deleted member 42055 · Jul 2, 2018

duxstar said:
No it's still utter fucking bullshit that the league comes down to 4 teams tops. Everyone in other cities should literally be fucking furious because it's basically the harlem globetrotters and friends vs the Washington generals.

You can say it's always been this way, but its why basketball is boring as fuck, the only even watchable games all year, or any that mattered were the 7 games in the western conference finals. There is No other reason to tune into basketball until you get to that point because everyone knows whats going to happen. This year I watched the Western Conference Finals and that's it, once JR smith went dumb the finals was over and wasn't even worth watching.

If Im a spurs/knicks/toronto/clippers fan what point is there in watching my team race to the bottom for draft picks and just pump more money into these super teams wallets. I still blame Lebron for being the one to create all these super teams in the first place, he started it in Miami and Golden state literally had a record breaking season, lost in the finals to the best player in the league, then went out and got the second best player in the league, like what the fuck world does that happen in. Every time i hear its about basketball its all about "oh wow maybe Anthony Davis will opt out next year, and go play with x and y and meet up on this team to contend with the other teams, almost as if the Pelicans are helpless to stop it, because basketball players dont care about how much money they can get in a contract when their sponsorship and endorsement deals come in and make them twice as much money.

Fair points all around

Deleted member 42055 · Jul 2, 2018

henhowc said:
Are you one of those people who live in la but root for another team? Lol Jesus Christ.

No? But even if I was who the fuck cares? Fuck outta here with this toxic nonsense

Not · Jul 2, 2018

henhowc said:
Are you one of those people who live in la but root for another team? Lol Jesus Christ.

I wish my apartment complex had an NBA team :(

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

henhowc said:
I'm expecting Isaiah and Frye are gone and I'm guessing Lopez as well. Julius seemingly doesn't want to play here. Also his agent (the same as pg and do) apparently has beef with pelinka.

Yeah, i don't think that salary sheet reflects the off season yet.

donkey · Jul 2, 2018

Just woke up and saw the news. Can't wait for all the Shaqtin' A Fool with Bron and JaVale! XD

J2 Cool said:
For people who watched the Lakers day-to-day, how good is Brandon Ingram? He's still crazy young and came into the league with a lot of expectations. Curious where people are seeing his ceiling now. I can still see him becoming an all-star but don't watch him too often

He's put in the work last year and I think his little stint at point guard when Lonzo was out was great for his development with his decision making. More strength and a more consistent outside shot will make him a beast.

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

Anyone else notice how of all the core LA Kids, BI has not tweeted a thing about LeBron?

I'm hoping we don't - but it would seem like we're trying still to land Kawhi via trade. I don't see our chances of beating GSW or Houston improving with a KL trade. I'd prefer if we let the group we have get better around LeBron and then use cap space again next year to re-tool around James.

Temp_User · Jul 2, 2018

So Laker fans . . . . is it official that Lebron >>> Kobe ?

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

Temp_User said:
So Laker fans . . . . is it official that Lebron >>> Kobe ?

Why would that be?

Deleted member 43077 · Jul 2, 2018

SublimeAnarky said:
Anyone else notice how of all the core LA Kids, BI has not tweeted a thing about LeBron?

I'm hoping we don't - but it would seem like we're trying still to land Kawhi via trade. I don't see our chances of beating GSW or Houston improving with a KL trade. I'd prefer if we let the group we have get better around LeBron and then use cap space again next year to re-tool around James.

Lakers dont have a shot to pass Houston or GSW as it is. KL will get you passed houston tho (if we assume everyone is healthy) and depending how the young core preforms they can probably win a game or 2 against GSW if everyone is healthy since KD likes to be a potato sometimes. but who knows, we havent even seen em play together but having the actual 2018 MVP and KL can do no harm.

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

NightLife said:
Lakers dont have a shot to pass Houston or GSW as it is. KL will get you passed houston tho (if we assume everyone is healthy) and depending how the young core preforms they can probably win a game or 2 against GSW if everyone is healthy since KD likes to be a potato sometimes. but who knows, we havent even seen em play together but having the actual 2018 MVP and KL can do no harm.

I agree that having both KL and James are positives in any scenario short term - but as you point out, having both right now doesn't give us a shot at the chip either.

If we can continue to develop these kids on the cheap rookie salaries and have the space to sign KL outright next season - along with James and our potentially more developed core, we set ourselves up for the longer term imo. By not trading for KL we neither bail SAS out of a situation they're screwed with NOR do we provide them with young pieces to build around.

Why have KL or our young core - when we can potentially have both AND make SAS's life harder to deal with?

Maxim726x · Jul 2, 2018

Temp_User said:
So Laker fans . . . . is it official that Lebron >>> Kobe ?

That's even a debate? Of course he's better than Kobe.

Doesn't mean that he's ever going to win another ring, though. And looking at the cavalcade of "stars" to support him... Looks like year 1 will be a wash.

The Chosen One · Jul 2, 2018

Just found out the news.

Kobe must be rolling over in his grave.

I doubt Lebron will stay all four years. After he gets bounced from the playoffs in the 2nd round two straight years, he'll be off trying to find another star trio to group-up with. No one of any real talent will join Lebron in LA because word has finally gotten out that's no fun to become a Tito on a Lebronze team.

Eduardo Corrochio · Jul 2, 2018

WTF are the Lakers doing with those one year contracts?

Zo/Hart/Bron/BI/Boogie is a nice lineup.

Spinluck · Jul 2, 2018

DetectiveKenobi said:
There were super teams before the Heat. And there have been Super teams since. They always get beaten because people figure them out. People will figure out the Warriors. And then where will KD go?

I think people are full of shit when they pin Golden State forming on LeBron. Lol, what?

Durant is his own fucking man, let him have ownership over his actions. LeBron did not make any choices for him, he made that choice himself and it's paying off for him.

Anytime I hear people blame super teams on LeBron I damn near puke. Like... these kind of teams have always been present in sports.

PG staying in OKC is also LeBron's fault as well because now "no one wants to play with him." Like the lack of accountability people seem to hold some of these players to is hilarious.

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

The Chosen One said:
Just found out the news.

Kobe must be rolling over in his grave.

I doubt Lebron will stay all four years. After he gets bounced from the playoffs in the 2nd round two straight years, he'll be off trying to find another star trio to group-up with. No one of any real talent will join Lebron in LA because word has finally gotten out that's no fun to become a Tito on a Lebronze team.

I'll leave the LeBron commentary alone because i sense sodium.

To your Kobe point though - unless you have some inside info, it looks like you're mistaken:

mindatlarge · Jul 2, 2018

LBJ and Lance Stephenson being teammates is gold. These two have been so entertaining through the years. Mostly Stephenson's antics, but it'll be interesting to see them balling together now.

mashoutposse · Jul 2, 2018

SublimeAnarky said:
Anyone else notice how of all the core LA Kids, BI has not tweeted a thing about LeBron?

I'm hoping we don't - but it would seem like we're trying still to land Kawhi via trade. I don't see our chances of beating GSW or Houston improving with a KL trade. I'd prefer if we let the group we have get better around LeBron and then use cap space again next year to re-tool around James.

That was the PG13 strategy. They may not want to risk Kawhi going to a team he may grow to like.

M. Wallace · Jul 2, 2018

4 years of losing commeth

Alligatorjandro · Jul 2, 2018

I guess the game on opening night will be warriors vs lakers

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

mashoutposse said:
That was the PG13 strategy. They may not want to risk Kawhi going to a team he may grow to like.

Yes, it was the PG strategy - and look how that turned out for us. We still got an impact FA, kept our young players and filled out the roster with veteran role players who want to come here now.

If we had traded for PG - we would have had to sacrifice some of the young 'uns and had the cap space for one impact FA with not much else to spread around for the rest of the roster.

I understand that there's a lot of what-if-isms that we can run through - but I'd say that keeping our core and playing the long, disciplined game with our cap is more sustainable than any quick wins today.

Tom Penny · Jul 2, 2018

He's joining one of the best 11th seeds in NBA history.

Mingoguaya · Jul 2, 2018

mindatlarge said:
LBJ and Lance Stephenson being teammates is gold. These two have been so entertaining through the years. Mostly Stephenson's antics, but it'll be interesting to see them balling together now.

I guess LeBron now has his Chalmers/JR on his very first night as a Laker. I can imagine the convo already :

"but, who is Bron going to bitch at on court when something goes wrong? - Magic.

" Get us Stephenson" - Rich Paul (laughing maniacally).

Avengers23 · Jul 2, 2018

Breaking:

jroc74 · Jul 2, 2018

bbd23 said:
BRUH lance and lebron on the same team?

cryinn

Not blowing in ear Lance Stephenson...

What is the world coming to???

Yasuke · Jul 2, 2018

SublimeAnarky said:
To your Kobe point though - unless you have some inside info, it looks like you're mistaken:

You know gotdamn well Vanessa tweeted that lmao

HeavenlyE · Jul 2, 2018

Lance is gonna pull a JR next season, except it'll be completely intentional

Heart_Attack · Jul 2, 2018

It will be glorious when he starts crying how hard it is to play in the Western Conference and starts to trade all the young talent they have for a second round Exit.

mjp2417 · Jul 2, 2018

The Chosen One said:
Kobe must be rolling over in his grave.

Kobe isn't dead. He's 39.

El Toporo · Jul 2, 2018

I wish Kobe was still alive to see this.

SublimeAnarky · Jul 2, 2018

Yasuke said:
You know gotdamn well Vanessa tweeted that lmao

He's going on radio sometime today i think.. so I guess we'll hear it for ourselves :)

Though honestly, unless he goes and says something like 'I'M BACK!!' - he can say and feel whatever/however he wants.

This is about the Lakers and I'd be super disappointed if he let his ego/pride get in the way.

EJS · Jul 2, 2018

El Topo said:
I wish Kobe was still alive to see this.

Lmao

Skinny Pete · Jul 2, 2018

I don't really like this from a basketball perspective for him. Hard to see this team beating the Warriors for the foreseeable future. Guess he just wanted that LA lifestyle.

Shark · Jul 2, 2018

orochi91 said:
How exactly is he gonna get past the Warriors with this team?

There was no plausible scenario for that to happen anywhere.

Strafer · Jul 2, 2018

Are those 154 million straight up or over 4 years?

zero_suit · Jul 2, 2018

Strafer said:
Are those 154 million straight up or over 4 years?

4 years

dingobingo · Jul 2, 2018

bbd23 said:
who do we hate more? lakers or warriors

Warriors, once the bandwagoners fuck off from GSW and where the end up (either Phili or Lakers) will be the next on the list.

LittleHavana33 · Jul 2, 2018

Don't forget to buy your Lakers merch...

LeBron James Signs With The Los Angeles Lakers - 4 Years, 154 Million Dollars

LeBronZo

Yes

No

brehs

FZZ pls

Attempted to circumvent ban with alt account

User requested account closure

User requested account closure

Sumo Digital Dev

User requested account closure

▲ Legend ▲

The Fallen - Self Requested Ban

The Flagpole is Wider