LeBron James will be a Laker for the foreseeable future.
The future Hall of Famer signed a two-year, $97.1 million dollar extension, that also includes a player option for a third season. The contract makes the 38-year-old the highest-earning player in NBA history, with $532 million in career guaranteed money, surpassing Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.
James’ deal also includes a 15% trade kicker, meaning he would he awarded 15 percent of his contract as a bonus were he to be traded. The Lakers are now not allowed to trade James this season, and were also not allowed to sign James to longer than a two-year extension due to his age.
Though James doesn’t show many signs of slowing down, it appears he will spend the tail-end of his prime in Los Angeles, something that was in question with him due to become a free agent next offseason before the extension.
Although the Lakers won an NBA title during the bubble season of 2020, James’ tenure in Los Angeles has been filled with disappointment. LA has missed the playoffs in two of the four years with James, and made it in via the play-in in another season. Last year’s campaign was largely a disaster, with Anthony Davis missing half the season due to injury and Russell Westbrook putting together the worst season of his career.
Still, James was excellent, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. James played just 56 games due to injury.
