Free agent LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday.
The deal would include an option year at James’ discretion for 2025-26, as well as a no-trade clause.
James’ return to Los Angeles will give him the opportunity to play with his son, Bronny, whom the Lakers drafted in the second round last week. It would be the first time in NBA history that a father-son duo would play at the same time.
Last week, James opted out of the final year of his $51.4 million contract with the Lakers through the 2024-25 season. His agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said James was “prioritizing roster improvements” as they sought to reach a new deal.
Paul had said James would be willing to work with the Lakers to sign a contract that was less than the three-year, $162 million maximum he could qualify for.
James is universally considered to be on the short list of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court. The only player to surpass 40,000 points in NBA history, he ranks eighth in assists, fourth in steals, sixth in 3-pointers and third in free throws.
Last season, James became the first player to make 20 All-Star teams, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — whom he had already passed for the all-time scoring mark — for the most in NBA history. James’ 20 All-NBA Team selections and 13 All-NBA First Team selections are also the most in the history of the sport.
He also leads the NBA in playoff points scored and is in the top 10 in rebounds (fourth), assists (second), steals (first), blocks (10th), 3-pointers (third) and free throws (first).
The four-time champion, who led the Lakers to their 17th title in 2020 in the NBA bubble, averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game last season at age 39. James, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic were the only three players to average at least 25, 8 and 7 in the NBA last season.
The Lakers, however, failed to advance past the first round for the fourth time in his six seasons in Los Angeles. Before joining the Lakers, James reached the NBA Finals eight straight years with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers and won at least one playoff series in 13 consecutive seasons.
James will play his 22nd season in 2024-25 and tie Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.
Last year, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, despite being the oldest active player in the league.
2024-07-03 12:38:11
#NBA #LeBron #James #reportedly #agrees #2year #million #contract #extension #Lakers
