LeBron James Agrees to History-Making Contract Extension with Lakers

The four-time MVP becomes highest earning player in NBA history

LeBron James has agreed to a US$97.1 million (AU$140 million) contract extension that comes with a third-year player option. It will keep the Four-time MVP in Los Angeles for as long as he chooses. When the deal is finalized, James will become the highest-earning player in the history of the NBA, as he will have US$532 million (AU$767 million) in career-guaranteed money. With that, he will surpass Brooklyn Nets star, Kevin Durant.

The deal eliminates the concerns regarding James’ future with the Lakers and the rumour that he might test the free-agency waters next summer. The 18-time All-Star will be entering the final year of his contract soon. He is also the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player. He is limited to signing a two-year extension because he will be 38 or older when the current deal expires. It is a rule in the collective bargaining agreement of the league.

 

If James continues his habit of scoring 27 points per game, he is expected to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in January 2023. It will depend on whether he manages to steer clear of injuries or not.

 

The Lakers haven’t been doing too well lately. The team missed the playoffs this year amid a disastrous campaign, despite James averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 56 games he played.

It is not yet clear whether James has decided to sign on for a couple more seasons because there will be forthcoming improvements to the roster or not. However, it won’t be an understatement to say that the franchise is very fortunate that he has agreed to sign the deal.

 

The 17-time NBA champions have the salary-cap flexibility, which allows for the addition of a third max contract player in the 2024 offseason to a stunning front line that includes not just James but also Anthony Davis.

The updated deal will line up James’ free agency with star Anthony Davis and the first year of draft eligibility for his eldest son, whom he might want to play alongside. If you are an NBA fan, expect The Lakers to look very different at the end of 2024.

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