LeBron James has committed to signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was a decision that has been in the making for some time now.

"A few days ago, he (began) letting some select people in his life that this was coming," said Brian Windhorst. "He wanted, before we made a final decision, go through a process which included speaking with people in the Lakers' organization, which took place within the last 24 hours. He was already headed here as long as the Lakers didn't drop the ball."

Windhorst later said that several members of the media have known for the last few days and that the Lakers and Cavaliers have also known that this would be James' decision, but they didn't want to be wrong and also wanted to give him his space.

Windhorst points out that James never signed a contract for longer than three years for as long as Dan Gilbert has owned the Cavaliers and he has signed four-year deals in each of his departures to join the Heat and Lakers.

Dave McMenman reports that James committed to Magic Johnson that he was going to sign with the Lakers shortly after July 1st started.

Stephen A. Smith reports that James and Johnson spent three hours meeting together beginning at 9:01 AM PST. James and Johnson had never sat down and talked before the start of free agency. The meeting occurred at James' house in Brentwood.

A source tells McMenamin that Johnson's unique position to relate to James as a player, businessman and philanthropist helped secure the deal.