Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has agreed on a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension that will keep him under guaranteed contract with the franchise until 2024, according to multiple reports.
The deal will make James the highest-earning player in NBA history with career earnings of $532 million.
James is owed $44.5 million for this coming season, the last of his current contract. His new deal reportedly includes a player option for the 2024-25 campaign, when he will turn 40 years old, and a 15% trade kicker.
The new contract, which could rise as high as $111 million if the NBA’s salary cap continues to escalate, essentially adds one guaranteed season to his current deal. That means James can become a free agent when his son Bronny finishes his freshman year of college and becomes draft-eligible for the first time.
Asked in February where he would like to finish his career, James informed The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd, “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year.”
This could be the script for the end of James’ legendary career. Opt into the final year of this extension if the Lakers draft Bronny (or commit to signing him as an undrafted free agent), or opt out and join whatever team signs his son — if a team does. Or the 18-time All-Star could continue defying age into his 40s.
Check back soon for more details.
Source: Yahoo Sports
