About that potential payout for the right free agent LeBron James was talking about. Whelp, that feels like ages ago.
ESPN reports the NBA’s greatest scorer of all time has decided to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, agreeing to a two-year, $104 LeMillion (sorry we had to do it) contract that includes a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause.
Get this, the reported new contract ensures James will be with the Lakers for his 22nd NBA season. His flexibility also sets up a “one-plus-one deal,” that allows him to take time to ponder his future with the Lakers next summer.
LeBron now joins Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal as one of the only two players in the NBA with no-trade clauses. Full stop. Bradley Beal has a no trade clause? Phoenix, ya’ll are some awesome negotiators.
Diving into the financials for the team, ESPN also states the maximum deal of $104 million puts the Lakers approximately $1 million over the league’s new punitive salary second apron, which would significantly restrict the team’s roster flexibility.
Super Agent Rich Paul, James’ rep and the CEO of Klutch Sports, is expected to discuss with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka the possibility of reducing the contract by about $1 million to keep Los Angeles under the $188.9 million second apron, according to sources. How generous.
The Lakers are also working to finalize a rookie contract for Bronny James Jr., the 55th pick in this year’s draft. If successful, Bronny will join his father on the Lakers roster, potentially making them the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously. And word is, Bronny’s deal will NOT be a two way contract. Wow.
The post LeBron James Reportedly Will Resign with Lakers for Max $104 Million Over 2-Years first appeared on The Source.
The post LeBron James Reportedly Will Resign with Lakers for Max $104 Million Over 2-Years appeared first on The Source.