A Hollywood Ending: Inside the Final Days of LeBron James in Los Angeles
Yaron Weitzman's book A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers provides an in-depth look at LeBron James's final era with the Los Angeles Lakers. The narrative includes a notable 2022 scene where Will Smith visits the Lakers' film room, exposing tense intra-team dynamics. LeBron James questions Smith while Russell Westbrook appears frustrated, with public opinion largely framing LeBron as to blame according to Weitzman.
The author portrays a 'merger' between the Lakers franchise and LeBron, highlighting the influential role of Klutch Sports Group and agent Rich Paul in shaping both the franchise's direction and its star power. Despite being a billionaire-level figure, LeBron remains active on an NBA roster, harboring ambitions to own a franchise one day.
The Lakers' recent history includes winning the 2019-20 NBA title within the COVID-19 bubble, a season shaded by the tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant and under the coaching of Frank Vogel. This victory secured the franchise's 17th title, tying the Boston Celtics for most in NBA history.
The 2021-22 season marked the arrival of Russell Westbrook but ended with the team missing the playoffs, leading to Vogel's dismissal and the appointment of Darvin Ham as coach. On February 7, 2023, LeBron became the NBA's all-time scoring leader in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder; despite this milestone, the Lakers lost and stood at a 25-30 record heading into the playoffs.
In a significant roster move, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, a decision that may signal Dončić becoming the new face of the franchise, potentially replacing LeBron. The Lakers also drafted LeBron's son, Bronny James, with the 54th overall pick.
Meanwhile, ownership has shifted as the Buss family sold a majority stake to Mark Walter, with Jeanie Buss remaining as team governor and holding about 15% ownership. This transition has raised questions about the stability of the franchise's ownership and leadership going forward.
The book also contrasts LeBron's longevity in the NBA with that of Tom Brady in other major American sports, presenting both as benchmarks for durability and sustained excellence.
