LeBron James Leaves Lakers After 8 Seasons as Raptors Reunite With Kawhi Leonard
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 1
LeBron James Leaves Lakers After 8 Seasons as Raptors Reunite With Kawhi Leonard
3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 1
Summary
LeBron James ended his 8-year Lakers run just before free agency opened, leaving Los Angeles without its biggest star and shifting the franchise further toward Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Rich Paul said James wants to spend his remaining seasons chasing championships, with the Warriors, Cavaliers, Heat and Timberwolves among reported possibilities, though he is not expected to sign for the veteran minimum.
Toronto made the other headline move by landing Kawhi Leonard, reuniting with the 2019 Finals MVP and adding half-court shot creation alongside Scottie Barnes as it tries to re-enter the East title race.
The Clippers, who moved on from Leonard, were cast as long-term winners after turning their aging core into Darius Garland, the No. 5 pick and multiple future first-round assets.
Elsewhere, a slow-opening market still produced notable deals for big men Kristaps Porzingis at 2 years and $40 million and Robert Williams III at 3 years and $44 million.