The summer of LeBron has come and gone faster than you can say “Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
On Day 1 of NBA free agency, the 15-year NBA veteran’s 2018 decision was much faster and less of an enigma than his infamous 2010 one. James agreed to a four-year, $154 million deal to take his talents to Hollywood and become a Los Angeles Laker. It makes the path to win the West much, much cloudier.
With James, as well as players such as Chris Paul (Houston), Paul George (Oklahoma City), Kevin Durant (Golden State), DeAndre Jordan (Dallas) and Aaron Gordon (Orlando) already signed, this year’s free agency period came fast and furious.
So, what’s next? Center DeMarcus Cousins is the biggest name still on the free market — and there is speculation he may join James in Los Angeles or stay in New Orleans. Spurs star Kawhi Leonard’s name is big in the trade rumor mill, with the Lakers and 76ers coming up as possible partners with San Antonio.
What about the Nuggets? Yahoo Sports reported early Sunday that Denver was “ with (the) star free-agent forward.” But that boat has obviously sailed.
Re-signing star center Nikola Jokic and wingman Will Barton keeps together the team’s core. “The Nuggets believe their natural trajectory,” Gina Mizell writes, “combined with good health fortunes, will push them into the top eight in the West next season. Perhaps beyond.”
Mark Kiszla is a big proponent of the Barton deal: “At age 27, he is valuable to this team in many ways, from providing a spark off the bench to scoring 15 points per night to running the offense on a roster lacking in natural point guards. I like Barton because he brings a fiery competitive edge to a team that sometimes also lacks — how does one delicately put it? — guts.”
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- MLB: Giants at Rockies, 6:40 p.m., ATTRM | Pitching matchup |
- World Cup: Brazil vs. Mexico, 8 a.m., FS1
- World Cup: Belgium vs. Japan, noon, KDVR-31
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB: Dodgers 6, Rockies 4
Full story |
MLS: Rapids 1, Whitecaps 0
Full story |
World Cup: Russia 1 (4), Spain 1 (3)
Full story
World Cup: Croatia 1 (3), Denmark 1 (2)
Full story
Must-Read
NFL Summer Series: Expectations for all 32 first-round 2018 draft picks
What should be expected of the first 32 picks of this spring’s draft? Here is a player-by-player forecast. Read more…
O’Halloran: Broncos LB Jeff Holland could be next great undrafted pass rusher
If the opinion of his new defensive coordinator and his 2017 college production serve as indicators, Broncos rookie Jeff Holland has a chance to be the next solid undrafted pass rusher. Read more…
Only modest moves expected by the Colorado Avalanche in NHL free agency
The Avalanche is expected to be on the quiet side of NHL free agency, which begins Sunday morning. Rounding out the roster, as well as the Colorado Eagles’ — the Avs’ new American Hockey League affiliate in Loveland — will be the theme. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ David Toms rolls in two huge putts to win the U.S. Senior Open in Colorado Springs.
+ By quickly agreeing to contract terms with Will Barton, the Denver Nuggets are set to run it back with their core in 2018-19.
+ The Rockies send would-be ace Jon Gray down to Triple-A.
+ The Avs deepened their blue line by signing defenseman Ian Cole in free agency.
+ Rockies pitchers have to do an about-face at Coors Field.
+ Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis injured his finger on Sunday and had to leave the game in the fourth.
+ Kickin’ it with Kiz: If the Bowlen family decides to sell Broncos, could John Elway find a way to buy the team?
+ Kyle Busch won Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in a wild finish. Furniture Row Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. finished fourth.
By The Numbers
$154 million
LeBron James agrees to 4-year, $154M deal with Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James is leaving home for Hollywood and an iconic team. The Los Angeles Lakers have a new superstar — L.A.-Bron. Read more…
Parting Shot
Coors Field of Dreams: Rockies’ Mark Razum maintains a baseball paradise in LoDo
Raz has been the head groundskeeper at Coors Field since October 1994, seven months before the ballpark hosted its first game. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
