Apr 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
LeBron James has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract that includes a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause, according to ESPN.
Contract Details
The agreement brings James back for his 22nd NBA season and is structured as a one-plus-one deal, allowing him the flexibility to reassess his future with the Lakers and the NBA next summer. James joins Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal as one of only two players in the NBA with no-trade clauses.
Financial Implications
The maximum deal of $104 million with LeBron James would put the Lakers about $1 million over the league’s new punitive salary second apron, severely limiting the team’s roster flexibility. James’ agent, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, plans to discuss with Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka the possibility of taking $1 million or so below the maximum to keep Los Angeles under the $188.9 million second apron, sources said.
Bronny James Joins the Lakers
In addition to re-signing LeBron, the Lakers reached an agreement on Wednesday to sign Bronny James Jr., the 55th selection in this year’s draft, to his rookie contract. According to a league source, Bronny agreed to a four-year, $7.9 million deal with a team option on the fourth year. This signing sets the stage for a potential historic moment where LeBron and Bronny could become the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously.
(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
LeBron James’ Legacy
LeBron James, who will turn 40 on December 30, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He is the only player to surpass 40,000 career points, ranks fourth all-time in assists, eighth in steals, eighth in three-pointers made, and third in free throws made.
Last season, James became the first player to make 20 All-Star teams, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whom he had already passed for the all-time scoring record, for the most in NBA history. James’ 20 All-NBA selections and 13 first-team All-NBA selections are also the most in the sport’s history.
In postseason play, James holds the record for most points scored and is in the top ten for rebounds (fourth), assists (second), steals (first), blocks (tenth), three-pointers made (third), and free throws made (first).
Recent Performance and Challenges
The four-time champion and MVP, who led the Lakers to their 17th title in 2020 in the NBA’s bubble, averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds last season in his age-39 campaign. James, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic were the only three players to average at least 25 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds last season.
Despite his outstanding performance, the Lakers were unable to get past the first round of the playoffs for the fourth time in his six seasons in Los Angeles. Before joining the Lakers, James reached the NBA Finals eight consecutive years with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, winning at least a single playoff series in 13 consecutive seasons.
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