Former Laker Andrew Bogut believes the deal to get LeBron James to Los Angeles was done a long time ago.
James sent shockwaves through the NBA industry this morning, when he agreed to a four-year, $154 million dollar deal with the Lakers, departing the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in his career.
“It’s pretty big,” Bogut told SEN Afternoons.
“LA is the story franchise of the NBA.
“To be honest, my 19 month old could be the GM of that team and still get LeBron James, that’s how big that star is.
“I don’t think the GM and the whole recruiting process had anything to do with it, I think he would have gone there regardless.
“It’s one of the biggest markets in the States, he lives there, he has a couple of houses there.
“In my opinion, that was a done deal a long long time ago.”
While many are wondering how James will fit into Los Angeles’ system, Bogut is of the notion the question should be the other way around, with the four-time MVP set to dictate the direction the Lakers go.
“It’s not if LeBron will fit in, it’s everybody else,” the Sydney Kings superstar said.
“That’s the reality of it. LeBron is the best player in the world, he is very smart, he is not a silly bloke, he has a very high basketball IQ.
“He will know what he wants within a week or two.
“It’s about everybody else doing a role, coaches filling a role, everyone in that franchise filling a role, which is why it’s really interesting.
“You have a bunch of young guys, where the Lakers for the last three years have harped on development and giving these young guys (the opportunity) to be the future of our franchise. Well, where does that go now?
“It’s going to be very very intriguing to watch how they go.”
Listen to Andrew Bogut’s chat with Andy Maher on SEN Afternoons in the player below