According to Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers had committed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract deal with a player option for the 2024–25 season.
LeBron James surpasses Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant to become the highest-paid player in NBA history thanks to the agreement, which comes with a 15% trade kicker and $532 million in career guaranteed salary.
Because LeBron James consented to an extension rather than a new contract, he is eligible for the no-trade clause. However, James will most certainly remain a Laker for as long as he pleases, thanks to the new contract’s beginning salary of $46.7 million, the 15% trade kicker, and his status as one of the greatest players in history.
James, approaching the end of his $44.5 million contract, now has the same options as All-Star Anthony Davis to either sign a new deal with the Lakers or become a free agent in two seasons.
LeBron James Got A New 97.1 Million Contract Extension:
With the agreement, the four-time NBA champion, MVP, and 18-time All-Star allays fears that he might sign a free agent contract the next summer. James, the focal point of the Lakers’ aspirations of contending, is still an All-NBA player despite being close to 38 years old.
James cannot be transferred in the upcoming 2022–2023 season since the second year of his agreement includes a raise greater than 5%.
In the 2023 summer, the Lakers might have over $20 million in cap room, and in the 2024 offseason, they might be able to sign a third player on a max contract if athletes decline the player options and stay on new deals, the salary-cap room increases.
Despite James’ 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game average for the Lakers in 2022, they didn’t make the playoffs. James played only 56 games due to injuries.
