The Game 4 of 2018 NBA Finals marked the last outing of LeBron James as a Cavalier. With definitive lack of help and a major roster shakeup mid-season, rumours of James leaving the Cavs for the second time began circulating. Lakers, 76ers and the Rockets were the front runners to land the best player in the league after a difficult playoff run and a bitter Finals. Philly was considered the best fit to immediately contend for the championship by staying the East with two future superstars, Embiid and Simmons. His decision to leave Cleveland for Miami the first time was strictly a basketball decision and won. This time, however, his move to the Lakers is seen as a potential way to settle for life after NBA and expand his media empire.
Lakers signing LeBron to a 4-year $154 million deal automatically makes them the winner this free agency. In terms of competing against Golden State however, they are a behind the Rockets and the Celtics. Lakers coach Luke Walton will have a tough time coaching this roster with young prospects and veterans, all of whom are deserving of substantial minutes on the court. All the spotlight will be on the Staples again for better or for worse and the Lakers management has to handle all the personalities in the locker room and off the court in Lavar Ball. Although there isn’t much risk with all the one-year deal they handed up to Rondo, Lance, Javale and Beasley. But the deals, however, don’t make sense, especially if you are trying to build a team around LeBron who requires shooters around him. What the likes of Rondo and Lance do bring to the squad is championship pedigree. Lakers have won 35 games without the best player of this generation and will be hopeful to make it to the playoffs again after 5 years.
James is still in his prime, but at 33 and what will be his 16th season, decline is imminent. The Lakers decision to not sign another big name to contend for the championship is a waste of one year of prime LeBron. The Lakers lost out on George and will be hopeful to sign big superstars in 2019 to give James possibly few more stints at the championship. And if the King manages to have a ring or two while staying in LA, he will be the first player to lead three different organisation to the championship. A feat, that will help solidify his case as the Greatest Of All Time.