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LeBron James Is Joining the Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant, Chrissy Teigen, More React

The basketball world was shaken on Sunday, July 1, with the news that LeBron James had agreed to a four-year, $153.3 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

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The Cavaliers forward declined to exercise his $35.6 million 2018-2019 player option and became an unrestricted free agent on Friday, June 29, and reportedly fielded offers from the Cavaliers, Rockets and 76ers before going with the Lakers.

To say Twitter had some feelings about this would be an understatement.

Meanwhile, veteran Charles Barkley called into NBA TV and said James’ move was “not a shock at all.” “I was hoping he stayed in Cleveland but I don’t think it was a shock, we’ve been talking about it for six months, but man, they got a long way to go.”

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Former Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar tweeted, “I am sure the Lakernation is rejoicing The acquisition of LeBron James means that the Lakers are just a smidgen away from being real contenders. Congrats to @MagicJohnson & @LALakersLive et al. Cross your fingers for news from San Antonio.”

Former Laker Kobe Bryant tweeted, “Welcome to the family @KingJames #lakers4life #striveforgreatness” and tagged Lakers president Jeanie Buss and the team’s president of basketball operations Magic Johnson.

James’ new teammate Lonzo Ball tweeted, “Y’all really thought he was gonna pass up the greatest city in the world…#TheKingIsHere.”

Celebs also chimed in with Twitter queen Chrissy Teigen writing, “@KingJames welcome to LA! Friday is sunset rosé, laser facials on Monday. The rest of the week is running into people you don’t like at soho house.”

The model had foreshadowed the news on Saturday when she claimed to have seen James at a downtown L.A. embroidery store on Saturday night.

Chris Rock referenced Cleveland’s huge loss and tweeted, “Congratulations to the Boston Celtics next years eastern conference champions.”

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“LeBron welcome to Los Angeles,” former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a video message. “This is so exciting to be coming to the City of Stars and you’re without any doubt going to be the biggest star of all. On the court and off the court. I love it.”

See more celeb reactions below.

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