Lakers News: LeBron James Responds When Asked How to Earn Loyalty from LA Fans

After playing on a series of short-term contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James broke the trend this summer when he signed a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

As a result of his long-term commitment, James believes he's proved his loyalty to Lakers fans. 

"I signed a four-year deal, what more do you want me to do?" James said in response to a reporter's question about earning the loyalty and respect of the L.A. fanbase (h/t Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver):

James addressed his reasons for joining the Lakers after signing his deal, citing the franchise's proud history and being able to build a championship contender. 

"The excitement that I have to be a Laker, I'm happy to be a part of it because I believe the Lakers [are] a historical franchise—we all know that," James told reporters in July. "But it's a championship franchise, and that's what we're trying to get back to, and I'm happy to be a part of the culture and be a part of us getting back to that point."

James' contract with the Lakers is the second-longest deal he's signed during his NBA career. The four-time NBA MVP originally signed a six-year deal with the Miami Heat in 2010, though he exercised an early termination clause after the 2014-15 season to return to Cleveland. 

After missing the playoffs in each of the past five seasons, the Lakers have high hopes for 2018-19 thanks to the addition of James. 

James' teams have made the NBA Finals for eight straight years and won three championships during that span.