LeBron James Agrees to 2-Year, $104M with Lakers; Bronny James Gets 4-Year, $7.9M

By Ross Key First Posted: Jul 03, 2024 11:40 PM EDT

LeBron James has agreed to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers on a lucrative two-year contract worth $104 million, sources revealed to ESPN on Wednesday.

The deal retains a player option for the 2025-26 season and a coveted no-trade clause, allowing James flexibility in his future with the team and in the NBA.

James, considered one of the NBA's greatest players, will enter his 22nd season at age 40, extending his illustrious career with the Lakers.

The contract, structured as a one-plus-one deal, enables James to assess his options next summer.

This agreement places him alongside Phoenix Suns' Bradley Beal as one of the league's only players with a no-trade clause.

The $104 million maximum deal slightly exceeds the league's stringent salary cap, impacting the Lakers' roster flexibility.

James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, intends to discuss with Lakers' GM Rob Pelinka the possibility of adjusting the contract to maintain compliance with the league's financial regulations.

Additionally, on Wednesday, the Lakers secured a four-year, $7.9 million deal for Bronny James Jr., the 55th pick in this year's NBA draft.

Bronny James' signing marks a historic potential for the father-son duo to play together in the NBA, the first in league history.

Career Milestones and Impact

LeBron James boasts an unparalleled NBA career, surpassing 40,000 career points, ranking fourth in assists, eighth in steals, eighth in 3-pointers made, and third in free throws made, CBS Sports reports.

Last season, at age 39, he maintained remarkable averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic as the only players to achieve at least 25 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds per game.

Despite individual achievements, James' return to the Lakers follows a season where the team fell short in the playoffs, failing to advance past the first round.

Before joining the Lakers, James reached eight consecutive NBA Finals with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, emphasizing his impact on championship-caliber teams.

Team Challenges and Recruitment Struggles

The Lakers faced challenges in recruitment, highlighted by recent declines from potential assistant coaches and missed signings.

Dwane Casey declined an assistant coaching position under JJ Redick, citing family priorities, continuing a trend where prominent figures opt against Lakers' offers.

Notably, efforts to secure key talents like DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson faced setbacks, raising questions about the team's appeal despite its storied history and market advantage.

This pattern contrasts with past Lakers' successes in attracting top-tier talent, reflecting a shift in recruitment dynamics post-James' arrival, Yahoo! Sports noted.

The team's ability to navigate these challenges will influence its future competitiveness and roster composition.

LeBron James' return to the Los Angeles Lakers marks a significant milestone in NBA free agency, solidifying his commitment to the team amidst contractual negotiations and recruitment challenges.

As the Lakers prepare for the upcoming season, LeBron James' leadership and on-court prowess remain pivotal factors in their pursuit of championship success.

His partnership with Bronny James Jr. adds a unique familial dynamic to the team, potentially rewriting the history of the NBA.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: LeBron James, Lakers agree to 2-year $104M MAX deal - From CBS Sports