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37 minutes ago
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This summer was a wild one in terms of trades and free-agent signings, as teams made themselves significantly better. The biggest storyline to follow was LeBron James and where he was going to end up.
Before free agency started, it was a big question whether James would return to the Los Angeles Lakers or not. His agent, Rich Paul, let the team know before free agency began that James was going elsewhere.
“LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers. James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday," ESPN wrote.
After about a month of waiting, the four-time NBA champion finally picked his destination. James joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote. "James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania
On Thursday, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick held their introductory press conferences for the season. Pelinka showed gratitude toward James, believing he had a great era in Los Angeles.
“The Lakers have become -- as they should -- a perennial playoff team," Pelinka said. "Won a championship, went to the Western Conference finals. It was a great era, and we're grateful for it. I think it's important to say that at the onset as we turn into a new chapter."
James made a huge impact during his time with the Lakers, and after his first season with the team, things didn't look pretty. The organization made some much-needed changes, and the Lakers quickly got right back into title contention.
It is safe to say that both sides are grateful for the time they had together, but relationships do eventually come to an end. Still, Pelinka knows just how much James has meant to the success of Los Angeles over the last eight seasons.
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