LeBron James will be taking his talents to Laguna Beach to join the Los Angeles Lakers this coming NBA season on a 4-year, 153.3 million dollar contract. The Lakers were the obvious front runner in the LeBron sweepstakes, beating out, among others, the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, etc. The decision’s timing comes as a slight surprise, as L.A. has yet to pick up a big-name free agent other than James, despite being favorites to land Paul George, who resigned with the Thunder. They were able to pick up two reliable role players in longtime LeBron rival Lance Stephenson and former Warriors center JaVale McGee. In the wake of the signing, L.A.’s championship odds have risen to 7/2, ties for second with the Boston Celtics and behind the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors at 10/11. With the Lakers among the favorites to land San Antonio small forward Kawhi Leonard, the Lakers could potentially field this starting lineup:

PG: Lonzo Ball

SG: LeBron James

SF: Brandon Ingram

PF: Kawhi Leonard

C: Julius Randle/JaVale McGee/Brook Lopez depending on the Lakers’ discretion.

Can they compete with Golden State? Probably not this year, but with the Warriors likely to lose one of Klay Thompson or Draymond Green in the 2019 offseason, look for L.A. to contend in years to come.

*Update: Randle has agreed to a two-year, 18 million dollar contract with the New Orleans Pelicans