NBA Rumors: LeBron James to Sign $104M Lakers Contract; Includes No-Trade Clause
July 3, 2024
As expected, LeBron James is reportedly returning to the Los Angeles Lakers after the two sides agreed to a new deal in free agency.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, James will sign a two-year, $104 million max contract to remain with the Lakers.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported the contract has a player option and a no-trade clause. He added that James' agent, Rich Paul, is still having talks with the Lakers about potentially shaving some money off the deal to keep the team out of the second apron and give them some roster flexibility.
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespnThere's still a conversation with agent Rich Paul and Lakers on James taking $1 million or so below max to keep team below second-apron and able to keep a little more roster-building flexibility, source tells ESPN. <a href="https://t.co/6OjREPfe17">https://t.co/6OjREPfe17</a>
James opted out of his $51.4 million deal for the 2024-25 season, but the expectation was he would work out a new contract with Los Angeles.
The organization certainly did everything in its power to make moves that seem designed to appease James. The club hired his podcast partner JJ Redick as its new head coach after firing Darvin Ham.
Bronny James was selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. The move gives LeBron a chance to play with his son in an NBA game next season.
While there didn't seem to be a lot of drama around LeBron's free agency, there was some uncertainty about what type of contract he would sign with the Lakers. The 20-time All-Star was eligible to sign a three-year deal worth up to $162 million with a full no-trade clause.
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42James is eligible to sign a three-year $162M contract with the Lakers.<br><br>It would be the largest contract in his career. <br><br>He is eligible for a no trade clause (8 years in the NBA and 4 years with LAL). <a href="https://t.co/3bl4PtFm1B">https://t.co/3bl4PtFm1B</a>
Chris Haynes of Turner Sports noted James was considering a deal that would open up a pathway for the Lakers to have the full $12.9 million mid-level exception in free agency.
James hasn't signed a contract for less than max value since August 2016 when he took a three-year, $99.9 million deal to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The only other time he signed a non-max deal, excluding his rookie contract, was when he joined the Miami Heat.
Things didn't work out for the Lakers, as potential targets like Klay Thompson and Jonas Valančiūnas agreed to deals with other teams. There are still quality players available, like DeMar DeRozan, who could help Los Angeles.
It will be difficult for the Lakers to add someone of DeRozan's caliber because they are slightly over the second apron now when factoring in James' $49.99 million salary for next season.
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42Here's the contract:<br><br>2024/25- $49,987,718<br><br>2025/26- $52,487,104<br><br>James joins Bradley Beal as the only player with a no trade clause.<br><br>He was eligible because of 8 years of service and 4 years with the Lakers.<br><br>This is the second time in his career that he's had a no trade… <a href="https://t.co/Y2VgoZznOP">https://t.co/Y2VgoZznOP</a>
The Lakers are in an interesting position between trying to maximize their potential in the latter stages of James' career and building a bridge toward the future whenever he retires.
James' commitment to the Lakers on his new deal ensures they will at least be a factor in the Western Conference playoff race next season. Their ability to compete for a title will depend on the other moves that general manager Rob Pelinka is able to make around him.
Even though James is entering his age-40 season in 2024-25, he is still among the best players in the NBA. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game in 71 starts and was named to the All-NBA team for the 20th consecutive season in 2023-24.