LeBron James is staying put. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has inked a two-year contract worth $104 million, ensuring his continued reign with the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron signs $104 million contract, which includes a no-trade clause, positioning James to remain with the Lakers until he turns 41.
LeBron Signs $104 Million Contract to Stay with Lakers
ESPN reports that the contract is just shy of the maximum salary, a strategic move by James to keep the Lakers under the second apron, thus preserving their roster flexibility. This financial maneuvering means the Lakers avoid key penalties, remaining $45,000 under the critical threshold.
James is expected to earn approximately $50 million in the 2024-25 season, pushing his career earnings on the court to around $530 million—a first in NBA history. This monumental deal cements his status as a financial titan in the league.
The Lakers also drafted Bronny James, LeBron’s eldest son, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. This move sets the stage for a potential historic father-son duo on the court, a first in NBA history.
LeBron’s last season was nothing short of spectacular. At 39, he played 71 games, his highest since 2017-18, and became the first player to reach 40,000 career points. Despite his stellar performance, the Lakers struggled with consistency, finishing 47-35 and exiting the playoffs early against the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers faced a challenging 2023-24 season, marred by injuries and a lackluster defense. They endured a rough patch, going 3-10 during the holiday period right after the In-Season Tournament. However, a late-season rally saw them close with a 23-10 run and secure the No. 7 seed in the West after winning the SoFi Play-In Tournament.
James, turning 40 in December, will tie Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history, marking his 22nd campaign. He averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists last season, an impressive feat for the oldest active player in the league. His scoring average surpassed the previous record held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who averaged 23.4 points as the oldest player in 1985-86.
LeBron’s legacy includes four NBA titles, with championship wins with Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Lakers. He has 20 All-Star selections, 20 All-NBA team appearances, four MVP awards, and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
In a surprising offseason move, the Lakers replaced head coach Darvin Ham with JJ Redick, a former player and ESPN analyst with no prior coaching experience. This unconventional choice echoes the Lakers’ historical gambit with Pat Riley, who transitioned from broadcaster to assistant coach before leading the team to multiple championships.
The stakes are high for the Lakers this season, following two Play-In Tournament berths under Ham and a dramatic run to the West Finals in 2022-23. As the new season approaches, all eyes are on LeBron and his quest to add another chapter to his storied career.
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