KingJamesLanding

Magic said "I ain't worried about shit". That's the type of confidence you want to see from the President of Basketball Operations of any ball club, except in this case it held weight. LeBron James agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers. All of the signs have been there for maybe a year now and we finally have the marquee player on the NBA's marquee team. Of course, LeBron alone being in L.A doesn't automatically make them a contender in the Wild West, but he could be the first domino that falls in this equation. The Lakers are automatically relevant again, and will more than likely make the playoffs next season.  They only won 35 games last year, but the young core of that team is much more talented that the supporting cast LeBron had in Cleveland, excluding maybe Kevin Love. Even if they have to trade some of those pieces away it would only be to land a player that's worth it. It's no secret that Kawhi has his heart set on L.A, and the Lakers have all the power to push him there now by basically telling the Spurs "Trade with us before he comes here anyway and you get nothing for it". They missed on Paul George, but Magic and Rob Pelinka have made it clear that they also have their focus on next year's free agency class as well. LeBron committing to four years takes even more pressure off of their shoulders.

Next season will be interesting for a wide array of reasons. Not only will it be interesting to see what LeBron does with what ever roster they put together, but the Western Conference is going to be as wild as ever. The last Five MVP's (Ok, six. Sorry Derrick) play in the West now. Not to mention the Blackhole sized power vacuum left in the Eastern Conference now. The debate is out for who the best player in the east is at the moment, but the best bet for the best team is now the Celtics. The Sixers are probably a close second with the Embiid and Simmons combo, so it is up to the other teams to step up in this moment. I can hardly see Patt Riley and the Heat sitting silently now. Giannis is one solid co-star away from making noise, and Washington, Toronto, and Indiana can all pose a threat if injuries come into play. With all that said, we can't lose sight of the fact the Golden State is still the best thing smokin right now, and even though they looked a little less than invincible against the Rockets in the Western Conference Finals, it's still their league until someone beats them. LeBron going to the Lakers gives the NBA a much deserved shake up after Cavs/Warriors IV. It's going to be interesting to see how the next several months play out.