LeBron James will continue his career with the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a new two-year contract worth $104 million, according to multiple US reports on Wednesday.
James, who will turn 40 in December, opted out of his previous contract last week, a move analysts believe was designed to free up funds for the Lakers to recruit new players.
The decision to re-sign James comes as no surprise, especially after the Lakers drafted his eldest son, Bronny James, last week. James has often expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA.
The new deal, reported by ESPN and The Athletic, includes a no-trade clause, ensuring James cannot be traded without his consent.
Entering his 22nd season in 2024-2025, the four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer will continue to be a central figure for the Lakers.
James led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020 but has faced challenges in returning the team to the top since then. This year, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
In a major off-season move, the Lakers appointed James’ podcast partner and television commentator J.J. Redick as head coach last month, following the dismissal of Darvin Ham.
