It feels like it was just yesterday that we were talking about how LeBron James signing his latest extension with the Lakers in 2020 brought him a bit closer to playing with Bronny James in the near future.
Fast forward a few years and it almost was just yesterday that we were talking about James possibly forcing his way out of LA if they weren’t competitive.
We can put those rumors to bed, though. LeBron James will be a Los Angeles Laker for the foreseeable future — at least, until his son makes it to the NBA.
James signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension with the Lakers on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has agreed on a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension – including a player option for the 2024-2025 season, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. James had been entering final year of deal worth $44.5M.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 17, 2022
The deal comes with a 15% trade kicker and can potentially rise up to $111 million if the salary cap spikes in the 2024-25 season.
Nobody really expected James to sign this extension at this point. Lakers fans (and the team, obviously) are elated that he’s staying. And it makes a ton of sense why he would when you really boil it down.
Let’s dive into it.
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