The sports world was taken aback this week when NBA superstar LeBron James announced his intentions to depart the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in his career and sign a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Many athletes across the world buzzed about the revelation on social media, including a pair of Lakers fans in Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and defensive tackle Justin Ellis.
Shortly after James made his announcement via the Klutch Sports Group, Ellis took to Twitter to celebrate the NBA’s best player signing with his favorite team:
— JustinJelly Ellis (@JeLLy_ThaDON) July 2, 2018
Carr, a lifelong Lakers fan, has been vocal in recruiting superstars to the storied franchise this year. He previously encouraged Paul George to sign with the organization as a free agent, though it was to no avail, as the Fresno State product re-upped with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a four-year contract.
Despite the Lakers missing out on George, Carr nevertheless shared his excitement on Twitter with the news that James will take his talents to Los Angeles:
Let’s gooooo 😤😤 https://t.co/T9CsWHCQzp
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) July 2, 2018
James, who boasts one of the strongest fanbases of any athlete, will undoubtedly attract new fans to the Lakers for the 2017-18 NBA season and beyond.
Carr, who is open to newcomers rooting for the Lakers because of James’ presence on the team, then jokingly tweeted out a fictional bandwagon form for those considering such a decision to fill out:
I’m welcoming all new @Lakers fans, BUT it’s only fair that y’all fill one of these out. I’ve been a Laker my whole life.. make your decision public! 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/pvf4UMByQn
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) July 2, 2018
Carr and Ellis, both reenergized by the Lakers’ signing of James, will be motivated to lead the Raiders to a bounce back season in 2017. The journey starts on July 27, when the team holds its first Training Camp practice at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, Calif.