LeBron signs Lakers deal

A mural of Lebron James in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey is viewed in Venice, California. AFP

LOS ANGELES, United States — LeBron James signed his new four-year NBA contract worth $154 million with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, with Lakers president Earvin “Magic” Johnson calling it a “huge step” for the team.

The Klutch Sports Group, agents for James, tweeted a photo of the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Monday night with “officially signed with the Lakers” as the caption.

The agents revealed July 1, hours after the start of free agency, that James had agreed to terms on the Lakers deal, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons in which he led them to four NBA Finals.

James brought Cleveland its first major sports crown since 1964 when the Cavs won the 2016 NBA crown but lost three of four finals showdowns with the Golden State Warriors, falling to 3-6 for his career in the NBA Finals, and decided to make a move in hopes of rebuilding the Lakers into a winner.

The Lakers tweeted an image of James wearing the team’s purple and gold jersey with his name and number 23 on the back and the city lights of Los Angeles in the background plus “The King has arrived” as a caption.

“Today is a great day for the Lakers organization and Lakers fans all over the world to welcome LeBron James, a three-time NBA Champion and four-time NBA MVP,” Johnson said.

“LeBron is special. He is the best player in the world. He loves to compete and is an awesome leader who is about winning and making sure that his teammates are successful.

The Lakers players are excited to have a teammate who has been to nine NBA Finals.

“It’s a huge step closer to returning the Lakers to the playoffs and to the NBA Finals.”