Father and son on the same team. This is going to be interesting
LeBron James has decided to extend his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, signing a new two-year contract valued at $104 million, which includes a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause, marking a significant commitment from both the player and the team as James enters his 22nd season in the NBA. This contract setup, effectively a one-plus-one deal, affords James the flexibility to evaluate his future with the Lakers and the league annually.
LeBron James to sign 2-year, $104 million max deal to return to Lakers: Sources
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) July 3, 2024
James’ new contract places him among the elite, as he joins Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns as one of the only players in the league to secure a no-trade clause, underscoring his significant value and influence within the NBA. However, this maximum deal puts the Lakers slightly over the league’s punitive salary second apron by about $1 million, which could potentially restrict the team’s ability to adjust its roster. Discussions between James’ agent, Rich Paul, and Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka are anticipated to address whether James might accept slightly less than the maximum to help the team manage its salary cap effectively.
LeBron James has agreed to a 2-year, $104 million deal to stay with the Lakers and team up with son‼️🏀
Bronny secured a 4-year guaranteed contract worth $7.9 million and includes a team option in the fourth season💰✍️
What are your thoughts on this father-son duo⁉ pic.twitter.com/zPIsiYYLU1
— RapTV (@Rap) July 3, 2024
Adding to the Lakers’ roster dynamics, the team has also signed Bronny James Jr., LeBron’s son, who was the 55th selection in this year’s NBA draft. Bronny’s four-year, $7.9 million deal includes a team option in the fourth year. This signing is historic as it sets the stage for the first father-son duo to possibly play simultaneously in the NBA.
LeBron James, who will turn 40 at the end of December, continues to build on his legendary status in the sport. As the only player to surpass 40,000 career points, he also ranks impressively across multiple statistical categories including fourth all-time in assists, eighth in steals, and third in free throws made. His record-setting performance extends to the postseason, where he holds the record for most points scored, alongside top ten finishes in several other key statistical areas.
LeBron James, with new Lakers deal, will become first NBA player to hit $500 million mark in career earnings https://t.co/aSmJ5gKSZr
— NBA on Scoreboard Page (@NBAonSP) July 3, 2024
Despite his personal successes, the Lakers have struggled to translate James’ performances into deep playoff runs during his tenure, often exiting early in the postseason. This contrasts starkly with his previous stints at Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, where he enjoyed consistent success, including eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances.
Key Points:
i. LeBron James has signed a new two-year, $104 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, including a player option for 2025-26 and a no-trade clause.
ii. The contract is structured as a one-plus-one deal, providing James the option to evaluate his continuation in the NBA annually.
iii. This deal makes James one of the few NBA players with a no-trade clause, emphasizing his elite status in the league.
iv. LeBron’s son, Bronny James Jr., has also been signed by the Lakers, potentially marking the first father-son duo to play together in NBA history.
v. Despite LeBron’s impressive personal statistics and records, the Lakers have struggled in the postseason during his tenure, a stark contrast to his previous success with Miami and Cleveland.
TL Holcomb – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
