Four-time MVP LeBron James, who led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals four straight years, with one championship, has agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Klutch Sports Group, James’ own sports agency, tweeted the news late Sunday.
It ends months of speculation surrounding his future destination.
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 2, 2018
James a 14 time All-Star leaves Cleveland as its leader in nearly every major statistical category: games played, points, rebounds, assists and steals.
His final season with the cavaliers saw him averaging 27.5 points, 9.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game.
The move to Los Angeles is likely to shake the NBA to its core, and the move offers an immediate challenge to the Golden State Warriors, winners of three NBA titles in the past four years. James and the Lakers will play the Warriors four times a year in the regular season, and will likely pose a challenge in the postseason.
According to ESPN, James will make $35.65 million next season, followed by annual raises to $37.43 million, $39.21 million and $41 million by the final year of the contract.
James thanked his Cleveland fans, who he is leaving for the second time in his career, on Instagram: “Thank you Northeast Ohio for an incredible 4 seasons. This will always be home.”