Does LeBron James have two more years that are assured? Another two years of history, two more of glitz, and two more of talk.
There will be two more years of embarrassing mediocrity, terrible drama, and injury reports. So, Lakers supporters, what do you think of this? If you enjoy basketball with frills and whistles, you will applaud when you hear the news on Wednesday that James has signed a new contract.
But if you enjoy winning championships, you’ll sigh in response.
When leBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer this season, he will attract the largest headlines in the league. James is perhaps the best player in basketball history. There was a time when extending his contract beyond the final year with a two-year deal worth $97.1 million could have been a wise move for a club that was running for the championship.
Experts Are Not Happy With Lakers With LeBron James’ New Contract Extension:
A massively damaged organization has signed up for a spectacular replay. A franchise that lacks youth and depth has just staked its future on a player who will play his 39th and final guaranteed season.
According to the rules of his current deal, LeBron James will play for the Lakers this season. He is also guaranteed to play here in the first year of the extension, and he may play here in 2024–25 if the player option is exercised. With two years secured and a potential third year, it’s just too much.
A team that needs to develop for the future is stuck in the past, sacrificing substance for flash and hanging on to a fading star as the world around them collapses.
James’ new contract has supporters who claim that it positions the Lakers for immediate success. The Lakers may feel free to make a trade for an experienced scorer now that James has committed to becoming their cornerstone and released their hold on 2027 and 2029 first-round draught picks.
