During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, three-time NBA champion LeBron James had a close relationship with then-general manager David Griffin. Once Cleveland moved on from Griffin last summer, it seemed to expedite LeBron’s exit from Ohio for a second time.
Knowing full well what makes King James click, Griffin just recently provided some insight into the star’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer. It’s intriguing stuff.
“I think one of the reasons that he felt compelled to do this is that in setting up his post-NBA career, when you’ve got a production company that’s as prolific as his is already, there’s no better way to establish yourself in Hollywood and announce your presence with authority like signing with the Los Angeles Lakers,” Griffin told Cleveland.com.
This isn’t necessarily a hot take. At 33 years old, James has to be thinking about his post-NBA career. He’s also already knee deep in the entertainment industry, having started SpringHill Entertainment production company with business partner, Maverick Carter.
Why not head to Hollywood to jumpstart that new career? Griffin agrees.
“So, I think this has as much to do with what comes next as anything else. I think his family enjoys the lifestyle there and I can’t say I blame them, it’s beautiful. But you don’t go about the process of buying a home in LA and continue to upgrade your home in LA while you’re living in Cleveland, without some intention of going to LA.”
LeBron’s deal with the Lakers commits him to the team for the next three seasons. It’s certainly going to be interesting to see how he moves things forward off the court between now and then. Heck, he’s already rumored to be cast in a starring Hollywood flick.
The moral of the story here is rather obvious. James’ decision to move on from the Cavaliers was as much about geography and opportunities off the court as it was about contending on the court. He’s a business mogul. A billionaire. Would we expect anything less?