According to Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, LeBron James, of the Los Angeles Lakers, has agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract deal with a player option for the 2024–25 season.
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 money.
Because James consented to an extension rather than a new contract, he is ineligible for a 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, who was 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.
With the agreement, the four-time NBA champion, MVP, and 18-time All-Star allays fears that he might sign a free agent contract in 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 that is greater than 5%.
In the 2023 summer, the Lakers might have over $20 million in salary-cap room, and in the 2024 offseason, they might be able to sign a third player on a max contract. If players decline the player options and stay on new deals, the salary-cap room increases.
Due to a provision in the league’s collective bargaining agreement, James, who turns 38 on December 30, is only permitted to sign a two-year extension because he will be 38 or older when his current contract ends.
Bronny, James’ oldest son, will be eligible for the NBA draught in 2024 as he begins his senior year of high school. James has made it clear time and time again that he wants to play with his son in the NBA before he quits.