By: Nina Samone
Via a report from Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul on Wednesday, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension including a player option for the 2024-25 season.
LeBron James has now become the highest earning player in NBA history, surpassing Kevin Durant with $532 million in career guaranteed money.
James was entering the final season of his contract – worth $44.5 million – and now will have the ability to either negotiate a new deal or become a free agent in two seasons. If he chooses, it’s likely LeBron could remain a Laker until he retires.
The four-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star is approaching 38-years old but still remains an All-NBA level player and a critical piece of the Lakers roster.
In 2024, James will likely have some great options when it comes to the NBA, and his eldest son, Bronny, will be eligible for the draft that year as well.
LeBron James has expressed numerous times how he would like to team up with his son before he retires, and this move could very well make that possible.
Sources:
Wojnarowski, Adrian. August 2022. ESPN. “LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers agree to 2-year, $97.1 million extension that includes 3rd-year player option.” <https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34413561/lebron-james-los-angeles-lakers-agree-2-year-971-million-extension-includes-3rd-year-player-option>
