LeBron James agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, the player’s representative, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul confirmed on Wednesday. The $97.1 million contract includes a player option for the 2024-25 season as well as a 15% trade kicker.
With a guaranteed starting salary of $46.7 million, this deal sees James surpass Kevin Durant as the highest-earning player in NBA history with $532 million in career guaranteed money. By opting for the extension, James scrapped the possibility of a no-trade clause. He does, however, join Lakers teammate Anthony Davis in becoming eligible to negotiate new deals with the Lakers in two seasons or become a free agent.
This extension puts an end to the team’s and fans’ joint concerns over the possibility of James becoming a free agent in the next season. The 37-year-old player remains a crucial component of the Lakers’ success, being named as an NBA All-Star in 2022 for an 18th consecutive season.
The Lakers are expected to have a salary cap exceeding $20 million during the 2023 offseason, thereby enabling the team to sign a third max contract player in the 2024 offseason.
