What Did it Take for Magic Johnson to Sign LeBron James for LA Lakers?

Former NBA star player, Magic Johnson revealed the intricate details of his big meeting with LeBron James in 2018 when he convinced him to join the Lakers. He had replaced Jim Buss as the President of basketball operations for the Lakers in 2017. Even though he retained the role for a very short time, he took one of the most important decisions of making James wear the Lakers jersey. Johnson talked in length on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ about how he signed LeBron and ‘the meeting’ at LeBron’s place.

Magic Johnson was confident

2018 was a free agency period for James and he had opted out of the deal with Cavaliers. Johnson, being at a position at that time, made a statement then, saying that if he was unable to bring a major free agent to Lakers, he will quit. When Jimmy Kimmel asked if he thought he’ll get Lebron, Magic’s answer was a blatant “No.”

Rob Pelinka, the then Vice President of basketball operations general manager, and Johnson had a ‘great plan’ is what the latter mentioned. Johnson said, “I think we had a strong argument for him to come join the Lakers.” He further added, “I had a sense of his game. And what he wanted in terms of what he was looking for.”

The ‘Big Meeting’ for LeBron James

Magic Johnson literally had a ‘well-planned’ meeting with LeBron that was scheduled at 9:00 am. The former Lakers star explained in length about the meeting details. He said they both started the meeting on common terms and shared what people expected out of both of them as players. Then they started talking about Lakers and one thing that impressed Johnson the most, “He (LeBron) broke down every player on our team. Their strengths and weaknesses. He already knew the guys on our team. I was very impressed with that.” 

Every little detail was discussed at LeBron’s place including how LeBron will fit in the team in terms of offense, defense, and pace of the team. It was a lengthy conversation that went over two hours. Everything was kept under consideration for James. What is his game? How did he like to play? Everything. There were definitely a lot of expectations that Lakers as a brand carried at that point. Magic said they discussed those pointers as well.

Magic wanted LeBron so bad that he didn’t want to mess up

When Jimmy asked Magic as part of a joke if he prayed for LeBron, he replied, “I didn’t pray for LeBron, but I prayed for success in free agency.” They both had a hearty laugh on this one. And about discounting LeBron, Johnson hilariously said, “You know what, I wanted him so bad I didn’t want to mess up… No LeBron, Imma pay you whatever you want.”

After the meeting, on July 1, LeBron announced his contract with the Lakers. Until now he hasn’t won any championship for the team. But the latest season was quite close to that dream as well. It was one of the best seasons for LeBron as a player and performer. Cavaliers definitely had a lot to lose in 2018! It was a huge trade for the Lakers.