There was plenty of speculation leading up to July 1 about whether James would decide to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or take his talents elsewhere.
His previous two free agency decisions had been made in the second week of July, but this time around his management agency made the announcement he would join the Lakers promptly after free agency opened on July 1.
However, there was no TV special or first-person essay on a media platform this time around.
Instead, the four-time NBA MVP opted to remain quiet on the matter and leave fans waiting for him to explain his decision.
Now, speaking ahead of the grand opening of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s “I Promise” school, James has finally addressed his move to the Lakers.
While the 33-year-old is excited to join the “historic” franchise, he admits there is a hint of sadness attached to his decision.
“It’s kind of bittersweet timing, because on this hand I have a brand new school that’s opening and I want to be there on a day-to-day basis, you know; 10 toes down for these kids,” James said in a video for Uninterrupted.
“And then on the other hand, I’m moving. I’m moving to Los Angeles.
“This is kind of like a dream come true for me.
“You know, growing up, I was a Cowboys fans, I was a Bulls fan, I was a Yankees fan, and I’ve always felt like that was one of the historic franchises.
“You look at the Lakers, being able to play for a historic franchise, with so much history.
“And now being able to partner with Magic Johnson, someone I kind of like looked up to when I was younger and wanted to make no-look passes like Magic, wanted to get on the break and be ‘Showtime’ like Magic, and then for it to all come to fruition at this point… I think timing is everything.”
“For me to be in this position, the excitement that I have to be a Laker, I’m happy to be a part of it because I believe the Lakers is a historical franchise; we all know that.
“But it’s a championship franchise, and that’s what we’re trying to get back to and I’m happy to be a part of the culture and be a part of us getting back to that point.”