LeBron Hits Hollywood

Ah, Hollywood. One of the biggest markets in the United States. Its the one of the biggest media market in the country, along with New York. Aside from being home to some of the biggest stars in television and film, it's also home to some pretty big sports franchises, with the Los Angeles Lakers at or near the top of the list. LA has been home to some of the biggest names in basketball, guys like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Shaq just to name a few. Now the Lakers have another big name to add to that list. He's only the best player in the game of basketball today. Some guy named LeBron James. This not only has an affect on the Lakers, but on the rest of the league with free agency as well.

When LeBron made this announcement, which was a four year deal worth $154 million, he showed another level of maturity in making this announcement. He didn't have to go on TV for an hour long special, he didn't have to go to Sports Illustrated to write a full story on the deal. He just made a simple announcement that he was going to the Lakers. The fourth year on the deal is an option year, so it could really be a three year romp in Los Angeles. Look at what this does for the Lakers. They also added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a one year deal. Los Angeles is also having reported conversations/ties with Lance Stephenson, Nerlens Noel and even possibly JaVale McGee. Luol Deng could be on his way out. So with the way things are projected right now, the Lakers lineup has LeBron, Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball. Depending on what other pieces the Lakers are able to bring in during free agency, on paper, this Lakers team looks like it could be a top contender in the Western Conference.

There's more to it then just this. Los Angeles still has moves that they want to make to get better. The biggest one being the sweepstakes for Kawhi Leonard. It's worth noting, for a cap perspective, that Kawhi is set to make nearly $20.1 million this season, which could be something of interest for LA to make a move. Its no secret that Kawhi wants out of San Antonio, that's been well documented for the last number of months now. Leonard has stated he wants to go play in Los Angeles, which is going to cost the Lakers quite a bit as far as a package. San Antonio won't be happy with this deal, because Gregg Popovich has stated that he doesn't want to try and trade a player to somebody in the conference. It would make sense for the Spurs to make the move so they can get something for Leonard before he leaves as a free agent. The fact that LeBron is now in LA is going to play a factor as to where Kawhi ends up landing, which is one reason this signing is big for how free agency is going to play out.

LeBron made this decision with his family in mind, from what I've been reading. LeBron wants to try and help get his son Bronny into a good school to further his basketball career. He also wants to try and get a few things set for when his basketball career is over, and Hollywood is the best place to try and get things squared away. He's looking to try and set his future post basketball and LeBron sees Los Angeles as the best place to do that.

While the Lakers seem to have a near future set for a championship chase, where does this move leave Cleveland? Kevin Love is the leader on this team, who, just an FYI, has an opt out option after this upcoming season. They also have George Hill, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, Jordan Clarkson and Kyle Korver, all are signed through 2020. Cleveland has some working pieces that could be decent, but one has to wonder if this group is going to be good enough to have another deep playoff run in them. It's a step backward, but it could be good to help them move forward and possibly having to start figuring out long term success without LeBron there.

LeBron made a big statement by going to Los Angeles and now added even more of a shift in power towards the Western Conference.