LeBron James agrees to 4-year, $154 million deal with Los Angeles Lakers

LOS ANGELES (WPVI) -- Those hoping LeBron James would be joining the 76ers got some disappointing news on Sunday night.[br /][br /]LeBron James is signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time to join one of the NBA's most iconic franchises.[br /][Ads /][br /]James' agency made the announcement Sunday in a release, saying he has agreed to a four-year, $154 million contract.[br /][br /][twitter ID="1013574315411849216" /][br /][br /]Despite[url HREF="http://6abc.com/sports/lebron-james-billboards-appear-in-south-philly-/3324589/" TARGET="blank" REL=""] hard-fought campaigns by Sixers fans[/url] as well as [url HREF="http://6abc.com/sports/sixers-representatives-to-meet-with-lebron-james-in-los-angeles/3686202/" TARGET="blank" REL=""]team management, James did not choose Philadelphia[/url] for the next step in his career.[br /][br /]The game's best all-around player and biggest star will now lead a young Lakers team that has been overmatched in recent years while rebuilding but will instantly rise with James.[br /]This is the third time in eight years James has changed teams. He returned to the Cavs in 2014 after four seasons in Miami.[br /][Ads /][br /]James isn't planning any more comments and there won't be a welcoming press conference or celebration in Los Angeles, a person familiar with his plans said Sunday night on the condition of anonymity. James will make his next public comments on July 30 in Akron when he opens a public school started by his family foundation.[br /][br /]The 33-year-old had previously said he wanted to finish his career in Ohio, and although he's leaving home again, Cleveland fans are more forgiving after he ended the city's 52-year sports championship drought in 2016.[br /][br /]The Lakers are continuing to court other big-name free agents this summer.[br /]While Paul George elected to stay in Oklahoma City, the Lakers still have their eye on a possible trade deal with the San Antonio Spurs for Southern California native Kawhi Leonard, who has indicated he wants to play for his hometown team.[br /][br /]DeMarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans is also a big free agent that the Lakers have contacted.[br /][Ads /][br /][i]The Associated Press contributed to this report.[/i][br /][br /]------[br /][b][url HREF="http://6abc.cm/2BucH0r" TARGET="blank" REL=""]Send a News Tip to Action News[/url][/b]l][/b][br /][b][url HREF="http://6abc.cm/2Gcv09s" TARGET="blank" REL=""]Learn More About 6abc Apps[/url][/b]