The King’s decision is here.
LeBron James, 39, has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum contract to return to the Lakers, according to ESPN.
The new deal reportedly includes a no-trade clause and a player option.
James’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports and the Lakers are still discussing the possibility of James taking about $1 million below max to keep the team under the second-apron and allow room for roster flexibility, a source told ESPN.
James’ new deal puts the Lakers slightly above the $188.9M second apron, according to ESPN NBA front-office insider Bobby Marks.
Paul said James, who will turn 40 in December, was “prioritizing a roster improvement” while working out his new contract.
The four-time NBA champ opted out of the final year of his contract with the Lakers — worth $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season — last week.
His decision to re-sign came one week after the Lakers selected his oldest son, Bronny James, with the 55th overall pick in the draft.
They will be the first father and son to play in the league at the same time, let alone on the same team.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James told the Athletic in 2022. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be.
“I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
Nevertheless, 19-year-old Bronny explained he “never really has a thought” of playing with his dad.
“I’m … trying to get my name out for myself,” Bronny said Tuesday during his introductory press conference with the Lakers. “I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine.”
Bronny’s Lakers contract does not resemble what a 55th pick might expect.
He signed a fully guaranteed contract Wednesday, according to ESPN.
It is a four-year, $7.9 million contract worth under $1.2 million in the first year, escalating each year after.
The final year of his contract is a $2.48 million team option for the 2027-28 season.
For comparison, the 55th pick in 2023 was Isaiah Wong by the Pacers.
He signed a two-way contract worth $559,782, but under new collective bargaining agreement rules, it is only partially guaranteed if the player secures a regular-season roster spot.
LeBron and Bronny were seen talking and doing their handshake while at the Lakers facility.
The rookie also suited up in his No. 9 Lakers jersey and posed for photos with his dad and mom, Savannah James.
James is coming off his sixth season with the Lakers, during which he shot a career-best 41 percent from downtown.
He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game in his 21st NBA season.
The Lakers also added as head coach James’ good friend and former podcast partner, JJ Redick — who retired from the NBA in 2021 — following Darvin Ham‘s dismissal after two years.
