LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard among NBA faces in new places

LeBron James is looking for a Hollywood ending to his career. 

After four years and delivering a promised championship in Cleveland, James signed a four-year, 153-million-dollar contract with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, dramatically expediting their rebuilding plan. 

The NBA's best player turns 34 in December and likely will end his playing days in Los Angeles as he hunts more championships. He also is expected to transition into TV and film production, a field he has been part of for some time. 

"My decision was based solely on my family and the Lakers," James said at media day. "I’m a basketball player. I play ball. That’s what I do." 

While James was the biggest name to change teams in the offseason, he wasn't the only one. And there may be another before Opening Night as disgruntled All-Star guard Jimmy Butler is trying to force his way out of Minnesota - or into a new contract. 

Here's a rundown of stars with new teams. 

Kawhi Leonard, Toronto (from San Antonio): The reticent All-Star played just nine games last season due to a quadriceps injury and became disenchanted with one of the NBA's model franchises. The Raptors rolled the dice on the impending free agent, hoping Leonard returns to previous form, which saw him finish in the top three in MVP voting in 2016 and 2017, and lead them to their first Finals appearance. “I want to play here," he said. "As long as I have on a jersey, I want to play basketball. I came here with an open mind." 

DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio (from Toronto): Great players come at a price, and the cost to the Raptors for Leonard was DeRozan, a four-time All-Star and Toronto's all-time leading scorer. He will pair with LaMarcus Aldridge to give the Spurs a 1-2 scoring punch as they move into a new era. 

Tony Parker, Charlotte (from San Antonio): After 17 years, six All-Star berths, four titles and one Finals MVP in San Antonio, the 36-year-old "French Flash" signed with the Hornets and will back up All-Star point guard Kemba Walker. He looks strange in teal. 

Carmelo Anthony, Houston (from Oklahoma City via Atlanta): The 10-time All-Star was not a good fit with the Thunder and was traded to the rebuilding Hawks, who waived him. The championship-contending Rockets grabbed him for a minimum salary and may bring him off the bench, which Anthony refused to do in Oklahoma City. 

Dwight Howard, Washington (from Charlotte via Brooklyn): The Wizards became the eight-time All-Star's sixth team in seven seasons after the Nets traded for and waived him. His rebounding and defense remain top-notch, but his deliberate low-post offense is a bad fit for today's quicker pace. 

DeMarcus Cousins, Golden State (from New Orleans): The four-time All-Star was having his best season when he tore his Achilles tendon prior to entering free agency. When no team would give Cousins a max contract, the defending champs signed him for one year at 5.3 million dollars. When he returns in January, he gives the Warriors All-Stars at all five positions.