Photo Credit: Getty Images
LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum contract to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Both ESPN and The Athletic, citing sources, reported that the four-time NBA champion would have a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause.
James's decision to stay with the Lakers, who drafted his son Bronny last week, was anticipated. Over the weekend, several outlets reported that James intended to opt out of his $51.4 million player option for next season and seek a new deal with the team.
In six seasons with the Lakers, the four-time league MVP has averaged 27 points per game, eight assists, and 7.9 rebounds. Despite a challenging season, the Lakers finished seventh in the Western Conference with a 47-35 record and were eliminated by the defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
James, 39, has long expressed a desire to play in the NBA with his son, and the Lakers brought him one step closer to fulfilling that dream by selecting 19-year-old Bronny James in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The younger James, during his introductory press conference, said he was ready for the pressure of playing alongside his father, who is regarded as one of the best players in NBA history.
James's new contract ensures he will remain a key player for the Lakers while mentoring his son and contributing to the team's quest for future championships. The upcoming seasons promise to be exciting as fans look forward to seeing the James duo on the court together, continuing the legacy of one of basketball's greatest families.
