Photo: Courtside Fan Who Wore Customized Paul George Lakers Jersey Does Same For LeBron James

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Subplots were aplenty for Sunday’s game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, including Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Isaiah Thomas all facing their former teams. But there also was LeBron James and the endless free agent rumors that tie him to the Lakers.

In the days leading up to Cleveland spending their weekend in Los Angeles, Lakers season-ticket holder and attorney Jacob Emrani paid to have billboards put up throughout the city, recruiting James. The ‘#LABron’ message highlighted the franchise’s history and pitched James as the next player to have his jersey retired by the Lakers.

Similar to the sentiment he expressed when a Philadelphia 76ers fan did the same with Cleveland billboard, James said he was honored by the gesture. However, he also refuted having a list of teams he’d potentially sign with, which purportedly included the Lakers.

Come tipoff at Staples Center, fans were buzzing and the atmosphere was similar to that of when the building has hosted playoff games. Fans greeted James with a rousing applause during pregame introductions that rivaled what Paul George received in his homecomings this season.

And like he did in January for George, the same courtside fan was on hand with a customized Lakers jersey that had James’ name on the back with his No. 23.

With their deadline day trade with the Cavaliers, the Lakers put themselves in position to sign two free agents to max-level contracts. George and James figure to be at the top of their wish list, and that of many other teams.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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