Lakers Rumors: LeBron coming to LA is now “unequivocal”
By Jason Reed
LeBron James has been the hottest commodity in the latest Lakers rumors. To some insiders, the prospect of the King heading to LA is now certain.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of a superstar. The NBA’s most prestigious franchise is currently amidst their worst run in history, missing the playoffs four consecutive years. Although the future is bright with young guys like Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, there is a long path to success; hence the myriad of Lakers rumors.
Dating back to the beginning of last season the Lakers rumors have been running rampant. Whether those rumors were connected to Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins or Chris Paul, they were more than present.
This even got the Lakers in trouble as the team was fined half a million dollars for violating the league’s tampering rules. The same insider that broke the news regarding the tampering case, Peter Vecsey, took a bold approach on the LeBron James speculation.
Vecsey stated, per Patreon:
"“For months, many in the media declared or composed presumption the Lakers would be the beneficiaries of his talents when he became a free agent July 1, 2018. I’m eradicating all conjecture and uncertainty! I’m comfortable now in stating unequivocally, LeBron will leave the Cavaliers a second time and join the Lakers, and return the team to LA Lore status.”"
This is following speculation from NBA executives that gave three reasons why they thought James would come to Los Angeles. Those reasons, setting up a career in Hollywood, winning a ring on a third team and creating a path to ownership in the Lakers, give much more validity to the speculation.
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Like with practically every other team in the NBA, LeBron James would instantly make the Lakers contenders once more. Los Angeles would essentially be a shoo-in for the postseason and would give the Western Conference elite a run for their money. If Ball and Ingram progress on schedule, they could be immensely dangerous.
Plus, we all know the kind of bargaining power that LeBron James possesses. If James wants to come to Los Angeles then he will urge the front office to bring in another start. Knowing James, if he is coming to LA, he could already be pulling those strings.
Hence why Russell Westbrook’s name is now in the mix. If the Lakers can clear cap space, Westbrook seems to be the front-runner to become James’ superstar teammate in Los Angeles.
If Vecsey’s comments mean anything, they should give Laker fans hope that the organization can return to their winning ways. While a lot of Laker fans do despise James, due to his relation with Kobe Bryant, his arrival would be in the team’s best interest.
Next: Three things the Lakers need to do to get Westbrook
Overall, until the organization makes some sort of blockbuster move, the Lakers rumors will continue to stockpile.