Julius Randle reportedly signs two-year, $18 million deal with Pelicans

James left home state side Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time in his career having made a decision to opt out of the final year of his contract.

The move came shortly after Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo, another former United Kingdom player, reportedly agreed to a contract with the Lakers.

In addition to James, the Lakers agreed with center JaVale McGee and guard Lance Stephenson on Sunday and agreed to re-sign Kentavious Caldwell Pope.

ESPN, which first reported the agreement, said Rondo will make $9 million.

Rondo gives the Lakers experience at point guard, where the Lakers relied on Ball, and even Ingram when Ball was injured.

Julius Randle, Isaiah Thomas, and several others are out.

Randle averaged a career-high 16.1 points while also averaging 8.0 rebounds last season, playing in all 82 games.

The young power forward played extremely well in 2017-18 and likely could've been a good fit next to LeBron James.

Rondo is going to Lakers training camp and has plans to compete for the starting job, according to Yahoo Sports.

However, with a minimum of effort, the Lakers could have a max deal available to lure top-tier free agents next summer. This would change a bit if the Lakers were to trade for Kawhi Leonard, but L.A. would also have to trade salaries in that deal as well. The Lakers did not reach the playoffs during his four seasons.

DeMarcus Cousins has been mentioned as a possibility for the Lakers, who might be interested in bringing him in.

By renouncing their rights to Randle, the Lakers parted ways with their longest-tenured player.

Now Rondo could potentially serve as a terrific mentor for Ball, who averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds as a rookie, but shot just 36 percent overall and 30.5 percent from 3-point range.