LeBron James, one of the most iconic figures in basketball, has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $104 million. This deal, which includes a player option and a no-trade clause, ensures that James will remain with the Lakers through what many consider to be the twilight of his illustrious career. This extension comes just a day after his son, Bronny James, was introduced as a member of the Lakers following the NBA Draft.
James, who joined the Lakers in 2018 after a successful stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, has experienced a mix of highs and lows during his time in Los Angeles. He has played for three different coaches over six seasons and is set to play for a fourth under newly appointed head coach J.J. Redick. Despite these challenges, James has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the court, averaging 27 points, 8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game during his tenure with the Lakers.
The 38-year-old forward is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 40,474 points and holds numerous records, including being the youngest and oldest player to make an All-NBA team. His career achievements also include 20 All-Star selections and 20 All-NBA team appearances, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
James's decision to extend his contract with the Lakers is significant, not only for his career but also for the team's future dynamics. The Lakers recently hired Redick, James's podcast partner, as head coach and drafted Bronny James in the second round, setting the stage for a potential father-son duo on the court. This historic possibility could see LeBron and Bronny become the first on-court father-son team in NBA history.
LeBron's commitment to the Lakers also coincides with his upcoming participation in USA Basketball's training camp in Las Vegas, where the team will prepare for the Paris Olympics. James, who will be 40 in December, aims to play in the Olympics for the fourth time, having last helped the US win gold at the 2012 London Games.
The contract extension was negotiated by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who indicated that James might receive slightly less than the maximum salary he could have commanded. This financial flexibility could help the Lakers avoid the luxury tax threshold, known as the second apron, and maintain roster versatility. Even with a slightly reduced salary, James is expected to earn around $50 million for the upcoming season, pushing his career on-court earnings past $530 million and making him the first NBA player to surpass the $500 million mark.
LeBron's tenure with the Lakers has been marked by both triumphs and trials. He led the team to an NBA championship in the 2019-2020 season, but the subsequent years have seen mixed results. The Lakers have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs twice and missed the postseason entirely in the 2021-2022 season. Despite these setbacks, James continues to be a dominant force in the league, evidenced by his performance last season, where he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game as the oldest active player.
