LeBron James reveals real reason why LA Lakers move was a 'dream come true'
LEBRON JAMES has claimed his free-agency move to the LA Lakers is a ‘dream come true.’
James, 33, penned a four-year contract with the Lakers worth a staggering £116m last month, a deal which saw him become the second-highest paid player in the NBA.
The four-time NBA MVP opted against signing a new contract with his beloved Cleveland Cavaliers in order to seek a new challenge on the west coast.
James, a three-time NBA championship winner, broke his silence on his move to Staples Center earlier this week in an interview with ESPN at the opening of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s ‘I Promise’ school.
And he revealed that his decision to swap Cleveland for Los Angeles was partially motivated by his eagerness to emulate one of his childhood heroes, ‘Magic’ Johnson.
"This is kind of like a dream come true for me," James said. "Growing up I was a Cowboys fan, a Bulls fan, a Yankees fan, and I've always felt like that was one of the historic franchises.
“And you look at the Lakers, being able to play for an historic franchise with so much history and being able to partner with Magic Johnson, someone I looked up to when I was younger.
“I wanted to make no-look passes like ‘Magic’, wanted get on the break and be Showtime like Magic.
LeBron James: Joining the Lakers is a dream come true
This is kind of like a dream come true for me
“And for it all to come to fruition at this point, I think timing is everything."
Although he’s thrilled to have joined the second most decorated team in NBA history, he admits leaving the Cavs was a tough decision to make.
“It’s kind of bittersweet timing,” James said of his departure from the Quicken Loans Arena.
“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.
“And then on the other hand, I’m moving. I’m moving to Los Angeles.”
While James’ arrival in Los Angeles has been well received by many, the same can’t be said for NBA legend Charles Barkely.
“I don’t like what [the Lakers] are doing,” Barkley told Sports Illustrated when discussing the Lakers’ acquisition of James. “It’s going to take away from their young nucleus.
“They’ve got some good young players. You’re trying to set up Lonzo, Ingram, Kuzma.
“With all that other stuff going on, I don’t know if that’s a good environment for those kids.”