Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has consented to a two-year, $97.1 million agreement extension that incorporates a player option for the 2024-25 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Wednesday.
The extension, which incorporates a 15% trade kicker, makes James the highest-earning player in NBA history with $532 million in career guaranteed cash, outperforming Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.
James is ineligible for a no-trade clause since he agreed on an extension – – not a new deal. Yet, the new agreement’s beginning salary of $46.7 million, the 15% trade kicker and James’ height as one of history’s extraordinary players probably make him a Laker however long he picks.
James had been entering the final season of his agreement (worth $44.5 million) and presently joins All-Star Anthony Davis with the ability to negotiate new deals with the Lakers or become free specialists in two seasons.
With the deal, the four-time NBA champion and MVP and 18-time All-Star kills worry that he could enter free agency next summer. In spite of moving toward 38 years of age, James stays an All-NBA-level player and the centerpiece of the Lakers’ contention hopes.
James is ineligible to be traded during the upcoming 2022-23 season on the grounds that the second year of his extension surpasses a 5% raise.
The Lakers could have north of $20 million in salary-cap space in the 2023 offseason and would can sign a third max contract player in the 2024 offseason. The player options increment salary-cap space assuming players decline them, but stay on new deals.
James, who turns 38 on Dec. 30, is restricted to signing a two-year extension since he will be 38 or older when his ebb and flow deal expires, a standard in the league’s aggregate bargaining agreement.
James’ oldest son, Bronny, is entering his senior year of secondary school, making him NBA draft-eligible in 2024. James truly wants to collaborate with his son on a NBA roster before he retires.
The Lakers missed the playoffs in 2022, regardless of James averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Wounds restricted James to 56 games.
