NBA fans who remember the summers of 2010, 2014 and even 2018 know that this year didn’t feel quite the same as those. Despite LeBron James opting out to become a free agent for the first time in six years, this free agency didn’t carry a “summer of LeBron” feel.
While his agent, Rich Paul, made it clear earlier in the offseason that the NBA legend was a free agent and didn’t necessarily know which team he was going to play for, the Lakers’ hiring of JJ Redick and selection of Bronny James erased any thought that James would be spending the end of his career outside of Los Angeles.
James had his reasons for testing the free agent waters, but his return to the Lakers is now confirmed, officially setting him up with the chance to share the floor with his son.
Here are the details of James’ new contract with the Lakers.
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LeBron James contract details
James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract to return to the Lakers, according to multiple reports. The deal includes a player option for the second season and a no-trade clause, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
James’ new contract puts him in control of his Lakers tenure. He is effectively on a year-to-year plan in Los Angeles and will be free to leave at any time if he believes the team’s window for title contention has closed. It also will allow him to take full advantage of the maximum available salary every offseason for the rest of his career, as he can opt out of his short-term, max contract — if he so desires — and sign a new one.
The deal could also allow James to finish his career in Los Angeles. He’s set to turn 40 in December, and while he continues to play at an All-Star level, retirement has surfaced in James’ public comments at times over the last two years.
James is also about to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his son, which could clear one major barrier for retirement. James has another son, Bryce, with NBA hopes, but Bryce said recently that he’s not sure his father would stick around long enough for the two to play in the league at the same time.
The contract signals a commitment from James that he is still serious about winning at least one more championship with the Lakers, even in the late stages of his career and in a loaded Western Conference.
More moves could very well be on the horizon for the Lakers, but the franchise is officially gearing up to make another push with their star-studded core of James and Anthony Davis.
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LeBron James career earnings
James has made $479.5 million in career earnings through 21 seasons, and his new deal ensures he will easily pass the $500 million mark in year No. 22.
James had a long stretch of his career without being the highest-paid player on his own team, but thanks to his longevity and sustained greatness, his career earnings now far exceed all other players in NBA history. Kevin Durant is second in career earnings with $396.7 million, though he will easily clear $400 million this coming season just as James clears $500 million.
James is projected to have made $583.5 million million in career earnings by the end of his new contract, though retirement — or an opt out of his contract following the 2024-25 NBA season — could affect that total.