Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James have reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $ 85 million ($ 115 million) that will keep the superstar in the franchise until the end of the 2023 season.
James is projected to be $ 39.2 million ($ 53.0 million) between 2020 and 21, $ 41.2 million ($ 55.7 million) between 2021 and 22, and $ 44.5 million between 2022 and 23. Earn USD ($ 60.1 million).
The athlete Shams Charania reported the news Thursday morning [AEDT].
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His new contract runs until the end of 2023, when his son Bronny graduated from high school and was able to enter the NBA draft if the league and NBPA change the high school-to-pro rule.
The latest development means that Sam Presti, general manager of Oklahoma City Thunder, could try to use whatever draft picks he has worked on over the years to lure LeBron and Bronny in 2023.
Regardless, the timing means James can sort out both his future and his son’s at the same time, which gives him enough power to get the best deal.
His own farewell tour could end with LeBron and Bronny becoming the first father-son duo to play at the same time.
The general consensus is that James’ renewal will soon be followed by Anthony Davis, who is expected to return to the Lakers.
Davis could sign a 2 + 1 deal that would ensure his contract would be the same as James’ and keep her under the title until 2023.
It would also allow him to sign out after 10 seasons in the NBA for the full 35 percent.
Davis became an unreserved free agent when he retired from the final year of his contract, but was always expected to re-sign with the Lakers. The only uncertainty was the exact details of what his contract would be.
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James turns 36 in late December and was named Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals after helping the Lakers to the championship – the fourth of his career.
In the postseason he averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game.
James had the opportunity to join the free agency after the coming season.
The Lakers lost some key pieces from their title campaign last season with Dwight Howard, Danny Green, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo all gone.
However, James was confident they could go all the way again, and his extension is a clear sign that he believes in the direction the franchise is headed.
The smart signings of Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Matthews and Marc Gasol are proof of this.
“We can [repeat]. I mean, it’s that simple, ”James recently said on an episode of the Road Trippin ‘podcast on ESPN.
“We absolutely can. … First of all, everything starts with health. You must be a little lucky. You have to be healthy. If we can stay healthy.
“We have a 27 year old point guard [in Schroder]. We received the 27 year old sixth man of the year award [winner] in Trezz. We got younger.
“We have Marc, who is Defensive Player of the Year, and his IQ, who not only plays against him in the NBA, but also with the national team against Spain.”
As soon as Davis’ new contract is confirmed, the Lakers will also extend their title window a little longer.
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