Los Angeles Lakers: Three expectations for LeBron James in year one
By Jason Reed
The best basketball player on the planet, LeBron James, fits wonderfully on the Los Angeles Lakers. Here is what we can expect from James in year one.
The Los Angeles Lakers hit the jackpot by signing LeBron James and did not have to do much to accomplish the feat. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka made sure to free up the cap space knowing that James, who is entering the later stages of his career, may have been ready to make a lifestyle move to Los Angeles.
Sure enough, James did make that move and signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. With more talented options readily available for James’ services, it is safe to assume that personal factors outweighed professional factors in his decision.
However, that is not to say that the Los Angeles Lakers are not a good fit for LeBron James. While the team may not be incredibly talented right now, the roster is full of youth and promise.
With more cap flexibility next summer, the Lakers can afford to bring in another star to win three championships with James in LA. With so much young talent as well, the Lakers can afford to deal a young star in order to increase the likelihood of creating a true juggernaut.
That definitely weighed into LeBron’s decision. In Cleveland, he was stuck with what he had and the team could only make sideways trades; they could not significantly get better. In Los Angeles, the opportunities are endless.
Thus, the whole world is going to be watching James and the Lakers in year one. Here are three things you should expect from James in his inaugural season as a Laker.