The Los Angeles Lakers and superstar future Hall of Famer LeBron James have agreed to terms on a two-year, $104 million maximum contract to return to the franchise for another run, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
James’ new deal includes a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause and, following the Lakers drafting of Bronny James in the second round of last week’s NBA Draft, provides LeBron the chance to play with his son.
James had opted out of the final year of his contract with the Lakers, worth $51.4 million, for the 2024-25 season and James’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, had said James was “prioritizing a roster improvement” as James sought a new deal adding that James would be willing to work with the Lakers to sign a deal below the maximum three-year, $162 million he was eligible for.
This lead to a number of rumors that suggested James may leave the Lakers, especially if another team were to draft Bronny.
James, 39, a 4-time champion, became the first player to make 20 All-Star teams, is the only player to eclipse 40,000 points scored in NBA history eighth all time in assists, fourth in steals, sixth in 3-pointers made and third in free throws made and is also is the NBA’s all-time leader in postseason points scored and is in the top 10 in rebounds (fourth), assists (second), steals (first), blocks (10th), 3-pointers made (third) and free throws made (first).
James, who will turn 40 in December, will now play in his 22nd season, which matches Vince Carter for the most NBA seasons played all time.
