Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension that includes a player option for the 2024-25 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Wednesday.
The extension, which includes a 15% trade kicker, makes James the highest-earning player in NBA history with $532 million in career guaranteed wealth, surpassing Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.
James is ineligible for a no-trade phrase because he agreed on an extension -- not a new deal. But the new contract's starting salary of $46.7 million, the 15% trade kicker and James' stature as one of history's mammoth players likely make him a Laker for as long as he chooses.
James had been entering the remaining season of his contract (worth $44.5 million) and now joins All-Star Anthony Davis with the contract to negotiate new deals with the Lakers or obtain free agents in two seasons.
With the deal, the four-time NBA champion and MVP and 18-time All-Star eliminates disaster that he could enter free agency next summer. Despite approaching 38 existences old, James remains 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 because the uphold year of his extension exceeds a 5% raise.
The Lakers could have north of $20 million in salary-cap residence in the 2023 offseason and would have the contract to sign a third max contract player in the 2024 offseason. The player options increase salary-cap space if players waste them, and yet remain on new deals.
James, who turns 38 on Dec. 30, is dinky to signing a two-year extension because he will be 38 or older when his unusual deal expires, a rule in the league's collective bargaining agreement.
James' eldest son, Bronny, is entering his senior year of high school, decision-exclusive him NBA draft-eligible in 2024. James has repeatedly stated his mind to team up with his son on an NBA roster afore he retires.
The Lakers missed the playoffs in 2022, despite James averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Injuries limited James to 56 games.
