LeBron James’ biggest battle: A franchise he possibly can’t control

LeBron James missed all of the signs that Magic Johnson was not staying through his contract

The greatest advice I have received in life is when you are making life-changing decisions based on an agreement with someone, listen closely to everything that is being said. LeBron James ignored this important piece of advice.

Magic Johnson was brought in to recruit big time free agents and sell the tradition of the “Showtime” Lakers of championship past. LeBron James locked himself into a four-year deal based on the trust that Magic Johnson could land another superstar to play with him.

The problem is this quote from Magic Johnson himself before he signed James.

"“No, because I told you this is [about] two summers,” Johnson said when asked if it will be a failure if the Lakers don’t land a max star like LeBron James or Paul George in free agency next month. “We don’t know what people are going to decide, and we can’t control that. So if guys decide not to come here, it’s not a failure — we turn to next summer. “Next summer, if nobody comes and I’m still sitting here like this, then it’s a failure. But if you judge us on one summer, that’s ridiculous. Then a lot of dudes shouldn’t be in their roles. Because if we’re banking on one summer for the Lakers, we’re in trouble.” “You have to give us time,” Johnson continued. “… Like I told you before I took the job and when I took the job, it’s going to be a two-summer thing for the Lakers. This summer and next summer. That’s it. If I can’t deliver I’m going to step down myself. She [team controlling owner Jeanie Buss] won’t have to fire me, I’ll step away from it, because [then] I can’t do this job.”"

Now, LeBron James always could control his destiny and keep the Cavaliers honest by signing two-year deals with a player option. The Cavaliers had to respect that in fear that he would leave again with nothing in compensation. That would be a disaster that they could not afford. Plus, LeBron James always had a no-trade clause in his contract which included a clause he could control WHERE we wanted to be traded.

With the Lakers, there are no clauses like that, plus the Lakers can trade him if they wish. The Lakers used Magic Johnson to sell outside business arrangements to entice James to sign.

Another sign that LeBron James missed.