The summer of 2018 in the NBA revolved around one thing: where LeBron James will be playing basketball next season. We haven’t experienced a frenzy around him like this since the summer of 2014, when he decided to return to Cleveland after winning two championships in Miami.
Every LeBron James rumor that led him to the Lakers
The Summer of LeBron ended quickly with him signing for the Lakers. Here’s how we got here.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
In the end, the decision came quickly. LeBron James is signing with the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year max contract.
How did we get here?
This time around, there were more factors than just rings for LeBron James. His oldest son, Bronny, will be entering high school soon, and rumors keep swirling he’ll enroll at a private school in Los Angeles. That may have played a role in his quick decision.
It’s fair to say the rest of the league was on hold until James made his decision. Here is every rumor right that led up to Decision 3.0.
July 1
LEBRON JAMES AGREES TO SIGN WITH LAKERS
Sixers pitch LeBron on playing with Kawhi Leonard
LeBron’s reps met with the 76ers in Los Angeles.
Magic Johnson and LeBron James didn’t have dinner after all
Some executives believe LeBron to Lakers is a done deal
June 28
Stephen A. Smith says LeBron sent KD a text about playing with the Lakers. This got shot down
June 27
LeBron James ‘hesitant’ to sign with Lakers without Kawhi Leonard
Isaiah Thomas says James is ‘definitely’ signing with the Lakers on Instagram
Rockets still pursuing LeBron James despite reports they’re lagging behind
June 26
James expected to make his decision before July 4
James undecided if he’ll pick up player option or become free agent
Understanding LeBron’s free agency situation:
How LeBron James actually limits his options by opting out of his contract
By Mike Prada, June 26
If LeBron wants his pick of any of the 29 other teams in the NBA, he can pull the same move Paul did. He could tell the Cavaliers of his intentions to go elsewhere and give them his preferred new destination. Cleveland would then have a choice: call LeBron’s bluff and risk losing him for nothing in free agency, or accept a trade package back for a player leaving anyway.
LeBron James’ 2014 ‘I’m coming home’ letter gives us several clues about his 2018 plans
By Tom Ziller, June 27
LeBron did this for four years. Now his oldest, who we all know as Bronny, is entering high school. There are persistent rumors he’ll enroll at an elite private school in LA as an top basketball prospect, which makes the Lakers possibility so potent. Situations change, and families move all the time. And four years ago, LeBron couldn’t have really known his son was going to be in position to chase an NBA career of his own.
LeBron James’ free-agent options in a 7-minute read
By Kristian Winfield, June 9
We could spend hours on hours figuring out ways James could end up on your favorite team. But there are only a handful of realistic options that make sense for James if he chooses to leave Cleveland. Here they are, in no specific order:
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