## LeBron James Signs Two-Year, $104 Million Contract with Lakers## LeBron James Signs Two-Year, $104 Million Contract with Lakers LeBron James Remains in Los Angeles After declining his player option, LeBron James has re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million contract. The second year includes a player option. Historic Longevity James’ return marks his 22nd NBA season, making him the second player to play for so long, behind Vince Carter. He has expressed his desire to play for two more years, equaling his jersey number. Lakers’ Commitment The Lakers have made their intentions clear that they want James to retire with the team. They hired JJ Redick as head coach, a close friend of James, and drafted his son, Bronny, in the 2024 NBA Draft. Impressive Stats with Lakers In the past six seasons with the Lakers, James has averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 51.3% from the floor. Last season, he shot 41.0% from three-point range. Flexibility for Both Parties The short-term deal provides flexibility for James and the Lakers. It allows James to control his future and gives the Lakers financial flexibility to pursue other players in free agency. Davis as the Future Anthony Davis is seen as the future of the organization, and James recognizes this. This new deal shows his commitment to the Lakers and his belief in Davis’ leadership. Trade Rumors Subsided Rumors of James considering other teams have been dismissed. His signing indicates that the Lakers remain his priority and that he values the team’s championship aspirations. Roster Adjustments With James and Davis under contract, the Lakers will now focus on shaping the rest of their roster. They have been linked to trades for players like Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. Championship Pursuit The Lakers’ primary goal is to compete for championships as long as James is on the team. This deal secures his presence for at least one more season, giving the team a foundation for future success.
LeBron James isn’t going anywhere. After declining his $51.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, leading to speculation he could consider other offers from rival teams, LeBron has agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract with the Lakers, according to Shams Charania. The second year of James’ new deal includes a player option.
James has played a total of 21 seasons in the NBA. Now that he is back for the 2024-25 season, LeBron will become only the second player to play 22 seasons in the league, following recent Hall of Famer Vince Carter. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has expressed his desire to play for at least two more years, which would equal his years in the league to that of his iconic No. 23 jersey that he has worn his entire career.
A return to the Lakers always seemed like the obvious choice for LeBron. The Lakers have made their intentions for James to retire in purple and gold very clear, plus the organization recently hired JJ Redick as their new head coach after firing Darvin Ham. Redick and James have co-hosted their Mind the Game Pod since they started the podcast earlier this year, leading to speculation that the Lakers would hire the former NBA sharpshooter.
Not only did the Lakers acquire Redick to potentially please James, they also drafted his son, Bronny, in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The father-son duo can now realize their dream of being part of the same NBA organization.
LeBron is now entering his seventh season with the Lakers. Since joining Los Angeles in 2018, James has averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor. This past season alone, he shot a career-high 41.0 percent from the three-point line. Though he’s dealt with a handful of injuries over the years with the Lakers, LeBron continues to defy the meaning of a career-long life at 39 years old.
Defining LeBron James’ Contract with the Lakers
Mandatory credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
There are many reasons why James chose to sign another short-term deal with the Lakers. Not only does it give him the flexibility to determine his own future, but it also allows the Lakers some flexibility in free agency. Anthony Davis is the future of the organization, and James understands that. That’s why GM Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office have been aggressive in their pursuit of championship-winning talent.
James agreeing to this new deal with the Lakers ensures that they are still his main focus. There was constant talk about LeBron considering the idea of joining contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns since Los Angeles was eliminated from the playoffs. Ultimately, these rumors turned out to be nothing more than that.
With James and Davis now under contract, the Lakers will now begin to sort out the rest of their roster. While Austin Reaves appears to be a key part of their future, all options for the franchise are on the table this offseason.
The Lakers’ primary goal is to compete for championships at the highest level possible, as long as LeBron is on the roster. That’s why Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and others have heard their names pop up in trade rumors. Throughout the summer and early stages of the preseason, the Lakers will evaluate all of their options on the trade market.
Los Angeles’ top priority this offseason was making sure a deal could be reached with James. Now that he has at least one more season under his contract, the Lakers will turn their attention back to competing for the 18th championship in franchise history.
