Lakers, LeBron James agree to 2-year, $97.1 million contract extension: Sources

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, sources tell The Athletic. The deal keeps James under contract with Los Angeles through the 2024-25 season.

James’ extension is worth up to $111 million over two years based on salary cap rises, per sources.

Sources: Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, taking him under contract through 2024-25 season.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 17, 2022

James, 37, was set to become a free agent after next season. During the All-Star break last winter, he caused a stir when he told The Athletic that “the door’s not closed” on the possibility of him returning to his hometown Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers. James started his NBA career in Cleveland, playing there for seven seasons after the franchise drafted him as the top pick in 2003.

He played four seasons in Miami (2010-2014) before returning to Cleveland for a second stint with the Cavs.

James joined the Lakers in 2018 in free agency and has averaged 27 points, 8.2 assists and eight rebounds in four seasons with the franchise. The 18-time All-Star has won four NBA titles in his 19-year professional career, including a championship with the Lakers in 2020 in the league’s bubble in Orlando.

Los Angeles finished last season with a 33-49 record, struggling with injuries to James and Anthony Davis. The team looks to turn things around in the 2022-23 campaign under new coach Darvin Ham.

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James’ extension comes one day after he dismissed buzz around his son Bronny, a high school senior. In response to a report that Oregon had become the “front-runner” in Bronny’s recruitment, James tweeted, “He hasn’t taken 1 visit yet and has only had a few calls with coaches and universities. When Bronny makes his choice you’ll hear it from him.”

James told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with his son. He will have to wait at least two seasons before his son is eligible for the NBA Draft.