The 33-year-old opted to quit his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the bright lights of LA this summer. James signed a four-year deal with the Lakers, with the three-time NBA champion ready for a new challenge. The small forward will link up with the Lakers’ young core, with James teaming up with Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram. However, James’ move to the Western Conference means the Lakers must beat the likes of the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets to reach the NBA Finals.

With LeBron, anything is possible Larry Nance Jr

And Nance Jr, who played alongside James last season with the Cavaliers, says anything is possible for the Lakers after landing The King. When asked what the target will be for the Lakers this season, Nance Jr exclusively told Express Sport: “They could [get to the Finals]. “With LeBron, anything is possible. I think it’ll be a very tough road because arguably three of the best four teams are out west. “You’re going to have to go through Golden State, Houston, Oklahoma City - there’s some really good teams out there. Their work is certainly cut out.”

NBA news: Larry Nance Jr hailed LeBron James

Nance Jr was drafted by the Lakers in 2015, with the 25-year-old impressing in LA. However, the power forward was traded to the Cavaliers this year in a move involving Jordan Clarkson heading to Cleveland for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and a first-round pick. And Nance Jr says he’s spoken to his old Lakers team-mates, warning them they need to be focused at all times with James around. “I’ve talked to them a little bit, I’m still very close with a couple of them,” he added. “I’ve told them to be at your best because he works so hard that it makes you want to work as hard. “He’s a great north star to have for your team.”

NBA news: LeBron James signed a four-year deal with the Lakers

James is regarded by many as the greatest player of all time. The four-time MVP is often compared to Michael Jordan when the discussion of the best to ever do it comes up. James is on course to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with the small forward also likely to finish in the top five for assists - a feat never achieved before. However, Nance Jr reckons James’ leadership qualities are his best attribute. “Personally, having played with him last year, I think his leadership qualities separate him from some of the other greats,” he said.

NBA news: Larry Nance Jr was traded to the Cavaliers last season

“He’s able to take a team and motivate everybody by leading by example. “Having LeBron as the north star for your franchise is very comforting.” Despite landing the best player in the league, many Lakers fans didn’t approve of The King heading west. Numerous James murals were defaced and damaged after the move was officially announced. And Nance Jr was quick to slam those who opposed James’ switch, claiming any Lakers fan who isn’t pleased, isn’t a basketball fan.

NBA news: LeBron James opted to quit his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers