LeBron James Secures $104M Deal to Stay with The Lakers

LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million contract to continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause. This deal allows James flexibility to reconsider his future with the Lakers and in the NBA after next season. He joins Bradley Beal as one of the few players in the league with a no-trade clause. The maximum salary agreement could slightly exceed the league's salary cap limit, potentially impacting the Lakers' roster flexibility. Additionally, the Lakers have signed LeBron's son, Bronny James Jr., to a rookie contract, potentially making them the first father-son duo to play in the NBA simultaneously. At 40 years old later this year, LeBron remains a dominant figure in NBA history, holding numerous records and achievements, including being the only player to surpass 40,000 career points. Despite a stellar career, the Lakers have faced playoff challenges recently, failing to advance past the first round in four of the six seasons LeBron has been with the team.

(LeBron James two-handed reverse windmill slam in his 17th NBA season/ Andrew D. Bernstein/ Los Angeles Lakers)