LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have come to terms on a two-year, $101.35 million contract, which includes a no-trade provision. This agreement will ensure that James remains with the Lakers until he reaches the age of 41, provided he completes the entire contract. Choosing a salary just below the maximum allows James and the Lakers to have some flexibility with their roster, keeping $45,000 below the second apron to avoid significant penalties.
A Historic Milestone
It is anticipated that LeBron James will earn approximately $50 million in the 2024-25 season, bringing his total career earnings to around $530 million, making him the first NBA player to exceed the $500 million milestone. It was expected that he would choose to remain, as it was reported that he planned to negotiate a new contract after deciding to not renew his current one for the 2024-25 season.
Family Ties and Team Performance
The Lakers drafted LeBron’s eldest son, Bronny James, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, possibly creating the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history. LeBron, aged 39, had a remarkable season by participating in 71 games and achieving the milestone of being the first player to reach 40,000 career points.
Overcoming Challenges
Injuries and a lackluster defense resulted in a challenging stretch in the middle of the season, as the Lakers went 3-10 over the holiday period. Nevertheless, they regrouped to end with a 23-10 record and defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in the SoFi Play-In Tournament, securing the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference.
A Legendary Career
As he starts his 22nd NBA season, James will equal Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history. The previous year, he had an average of 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, the highest scoring average among all NBA players of his age. In the 2019-20 season, James guided the Lakers to an NBA championship and has earned Finals MVP honors in all four NBA title wins. He has achieved 20 All-NBA team selections, four MVP titles, and six All-Defensive team selections.
New Leadership
The Lakers hired JJ Redick, a former NBA player and ESPN analyst, as their new coach despite his lack of coaching experience. Redick’s employment mirrors the unconventional yet triumphant rise of Pat Riley, who transitioned from being a broadcaster to becoming a championship-winning coach with the Lakers in the 1980s. The Lakers are looking for Redick to repeat his success as they strive for another extended playoff run.
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