LeBron James will don the famous purple and gold of the LA Lakers for at least two more years after signing a lucrative contract extension.
His representative Rich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO, told ESPN the new deal, which includes a 15% trade kicker, is worth an astronomical $97.1 million (£80.5 million) which also includes a player option for the 2024-2025 season.
The American had been entering the final year of a deal worth $44.5m (£36.9 million) but has now secured his future for at least another couple of years. The new contract has made James the highest earning player in NBA history with $532m (£441.2 million) in guaranteed earnings over the course of his career, surpassing Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant.
The small forward will turn 38 in December and therefore was limited to signing a two-year contract. This is because he will be 38 or older when his current deal expires, a rule in the league’s collective bargaining agreement. There is no doubt James is fired up for the following season after one of the worst campaigns of his career from a team standpoint.
The Lakers failed to reach the playoffs and finished a lowly 11th place in the Western conference, winning just 33 games and losing a disappointing 49. A combination of injuries and poor team performances, plus an aged and mismanaged roster contributed to the Lakers worst record since the 2016–17 campaign.
However, from an individual perspective, James had a stellar campaign, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 56 games played. Despite his performances, some question whether James can still be regarded as the best player in the league.
But in the eyes of 2021 champion and finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the former Miami Heat star remains in a league of his own. "It's interesting to me how LeBron is still [in] one of the best shapes [of] his life and being the best player in the world and still being in year 18," Giannis told Marca Basket .
"Like, that's really interesting. I want to know how he does that. He's been consistent for 18 years. He's always there. He's always showing up. That's unbelievable.
"He obviously gets credit, but I think we've got to give him more credit. Doing it for 18 years guys, that's hard.
“And hopefully, hopefully I can be there. Hopefully, I can do this for 18 years, 20 years. That's the goal."
