With recent reports stating that the four-time MVP is only going to consider a handful of teams this upcoming offseason, one of those teams is the Los Angeles Lakers. All things considered,  it is easy to see why LeBron James should join the Lakers.

Why LeBron James Should Join the Los Angeles Lakers

Opportunity

Just two years removed from bringing his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers their first title in franchise history, James has the opportunity to move on with his career. By doing so, he can do something special for yet another franchise. Although the Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers offer tremendous opportunities for James, the Lakers have something that those other cities just cannot quite offer: Hollywood.

James has always been interested in both the entertainment industry and furthering his brand. What better of a place to achieve those goals than the bright lights of Hollywood?

James already spends the majority of each offseason working out and living in Los Angeles with his family. Aside from the basketball aspects to the decision, why would James not want to make Los Angeles his year-round home? By doing so he expands his name and branding outside of basketball.

Young Talent and Salary Cap Potential

Having to be “the man” is nothing new for the four-time MVP. James has proven that ability throughout his time in both Cleveland and Miami. That role would not change if he decided to make the move to the Western Conference and join the Lakers. However, James would have the chance to be surrounded by one of the youngest cores in the league. The Lakers have demonstrated tenacity as they are still fighting hard for a playoff spot in the west.

With youngsters like Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram exploiting opposing defenses from almost anywhere on the floor, the game would only become easier for James each and every night. The fight that this young Lakers team has shown all season-long is a tremendous sales pitch moving forward.

Thanks to a trade with James’s Cavaliers, the Lakers were able to clear enough space to sign two max players this offseason. This means that not only can Magic Johnson and company offer James the opportunity to play alongside some of the best up-and-coming talents in the league, but they can also allow James to recruit another max player to join him out on the west coast whether that is Paul George, DeMarcus Cousins, or someone else.

Legacy

All-in-all, James has proven throughout his career that he is arguably one of the greatest athletes of our generation. However, one thing that has haunted James is his NBA Finals record. Having only three wins in eight appearances.

Even if James is not able to match the NBA Finals numbers of Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan, helping turn the Lakers back into contenders would still allow him the opportunity to strengthen his already impressive legacy.

The Lakers are one of, if not the greatest franchise in all of the professional sports. If James were to walk away from Cleveland for the Lakers, he would immediately make LA a legit title contender. Bringing the Lakers back to glory would cap the illustrious career of one of the greatest to ever play. Simply, LeBron James should join the Los Angeles Lakers next year.