LeBron leaving Cavs for LA Lakers

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WTVN) -- LeBron James is heading west, to the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron’s management company, Klutch Sports Group, issued a statement Sunday night saying that the “four time NBA MVP has agreed to a four year, $154 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The announcement stunned the sports world, making it the second time that James has left the Cavaliers.

Even though James is an Akron native, he also has homes in the Los Angeles area, and has said his family would play a role in his decision.

James will be remembered most for leading the Cavaliers to the first championship by a major Cleveland pro sports team since 1964.

Early Monday morning, the Cavaliers released this statement from team owner Dan Gilbert:

    “We will always remember the evening of June 19, 2016 as the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James, ended the 52-year drought delivering the long elusive championship that many thought they would never see...A championship that united generations of Clevelanders, both living and passed.

     Virtually anyone with roots in Northeast Ohio paused and felt the memories of the past and the utter joy that the burden of the so-called ‘curse’ was finally a thing of the past. Cleveland, Ohio was the home of a championship team for the first time since 1964. 

     Words do not express the meaning and the feeling this accomplishment brought to the people of Northeast Ohio.

     None of this would have happened if LeBron James did not agree to come back home and lead the Cavaliers to the promised land. 

     The entire Cavaliers franchise thanks LeBron for that precious moment and for all of the excitement he delivered as he led our team to four straight NBA Finals appearances.

     LeBron is a family man, first. We wish his kids, his wife Savannah, his mother Gloria, and LeBron himself nothing but the best in the years and decades ahead.

     LeBron’s connection to Akron, Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio will most certainly endure as his commitment to the region and his support of many important causes has been impactful to so many kids and families.

     LeBron, you came home and delivered the ultimate goal. Nothing but appreciation and gratitude for everything you put into every moment you spent in a Cavaliers uniform. 

     We look forward to the retirement of the famous #23 Cavs jersey one day down the line...”

Dan Gilbert

Chairman

Cleveland Cavaliers

(Photo courtesy Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)


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