LeBron James agrees to 2-year, $97.1 million extension with Los Angeles Lakers, includes 3rd-year player option

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James Agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension that includes a player option through the 2024-25 season, Clutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Wednesday.

The extension, which includes a 15% trade kicker, makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in career guarantees, surpassing the Brooklyn Nets star. Kevin Durant.

James isn’t a rookie — he’s ineligible for the no-trade clause because he agreed to an extension. But the new contract’s starting salary of $46.7 million, a 15% trade kicker and James’ status as one of the greatest players in history will make him a Laker until he chooses.

James entered the final season of his contract (worth $44.5 million) and is now an All-Star Anthony Davis The ability to negotiate new contracts with the Lakers or become free agents in two seasons.

With the deal, the four-time NBA champion and MVP and 18-time All-Star allays concerns that he could enter free agency next summer. Approaching 38 years old, James remains an All-NBA player and the centerpiece of the Lakers’ contentious hopes.

James is not eligible to be traded through the upcoming 2022-23 season because the second year of his extension exceeds the 5% raise.

The Lakers have north of $20 million in salary-cap space in the 2023 offseason and the ability to sign a third-highest player in the 2024 offseason. Players decline player options that increase salary-cap space and still remain on new contracts.

Dec. James, who turns 38 on the 30th, must sign a two-year extension because he will be 38 or older when his current contract expires, according to a provision in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

See also  Greta Thunberg, who was arrested in the German mine strike, will be released later, police said

Despite James averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists, the Lakers missed the playoffs in 2022. Injuries limited James to 56 games.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *