LeBron James remains the best player in the NBA today and the top free agent target of a number of teams this summer, including the Los Angeles Lakers. The front office has made no secret of its desire to make huge additions this offseason, and signing James would immediately change the fortunes of the franchise.
Recently, three billboards recruiting James to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers were purchased and placed on the Interstate 480 outside of Cleveland. Cavaliers fans then responded with their own billboards, denouncing the 76ers.
With James set to make his lone basketball trip to Los Angeles this weekend, Lakers fan and lawyer Jacob Emrani has looked to one-up the Sixers plan. He did so by purchasing four billboards that make a pitch to James to sign with the Lakers, via Tania Ganguli of the L.A. Times:
4 LeBron billboards are going up around LA today. These. A 3rd depicts Lakers retired jerseys with LeBron’s as the next one. A 4th says “Forget The Process, we win banners.” Bought by attorney, and Laker fan, Jacob Emrani. Cavs play Clippers & Lakers this week. pic.twitter.com/XaWLGN49pE
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 7, 2018
LeBron and the Cavaliers play the Clippers on Friday before facing off with the Lakers on Sunday, so he will likely see all four billboards while he is in town. Even if James doesn’t, the pictures will be everywhere on social media so there’s no way he won’t be aware.
The question is whether this will have any effect on LeBron’s decision. If James truly wants to join the Lakers there are surely a number of different reasons why that have nothing to do with these billboards.
Nonetheless, seeing how serious fans are about wanting him to join the team has to be a good feeling. The onus is ultimately on Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka, and the front office to convince James that joining the Lakers the best career decision he can make.
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