LeBron James agrees to stay with the Lakers – for now
Los Angeles, California - LeBron James has agreed to an extension with the Lakers: a two-year contract with a player option, according to reports.
![LeBron James has agreed to a two-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers.](https://media.tag24.de/951x634/x/9/x9a0ipnl16owr6gnanga3y78k6wcoznf.jpg)
The deal keeps him from free agency until at least 2024, when he could exercise his option.
The $97.1 million contract is the maximum that could be offered, and also includes a 15% trade kicker. The deal could grow to more than $110 million with a rise in the salary cap.
The 37-year-old athlete was set to become an unrestricted free agent following this season with the Lakers – his fifth since signing with the organization in 2018.
In 2020, James won an NBA title, but the Lakers haven’t moved past the first round of the playoffs in any of his other seasons with the team.
In 223 games with the Lakers, he has averaged 27 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists. James’ ability to become a free agent, should he exercise his player option in 2024, aligns with his stated desires to play with his son, Bronny James (17), should he be in the NBA.
Bronny is heading into his senior season with Chatsworth Sierra Canyon High School and is widely considered a top-50 prospect in his recruiting class.
Cover photo: Patrick Smith / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP