LeBron James: Lakers release first image of the King in purple-and-gold
LEBRON JAMES officially signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers last night and will begin next season in the iconic purple-and-gold uniform.
Within minutes of the news emerging online, the Lakers’ official Instagram account had uploaded a photo of James wearing the kit for the first time.
The 33-year-old will wear number 23 – the same number he has worn since leaving Miami in 2014 – but will reportedly wear number six during practise to pay homage to his time in South Beach.
Lakers fans were left stunned by the picture as the news finally began to sink in, with one writing: “I still can’t believe this is real.
Officially signed with the @Lakers @KingJames pic.twitter.com/A5jHZxXEP4
— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) July 10, 2018
“Not gonna lie, never thought it would ever happen,” added another.
“All those photoshops over the years came to life.”
A third wrote: “This is unreal, love it.”
Kit manufacturer Nike is believed to be working on a re-design of the Lakers’ current uniforms, with the new version due to be released on July 30.
It comes after the Lakers were dealt a blow after Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard cooled rumours he could be set for a trade to Los Angeles this summer.
The 27-year-old was believed to be unhappy with the Blazers’ summer recruitment after a disappointing playoff loss – but yesterday Lillard told NBA.com he “loved” his team.