The Los Angeles Lakers have been highly debated in recent weeks. That’s what happens when you’re trying to create a championship squad following a dismal finish to the 2023-24 season.
In addition, they needed to hire a new head coach and find a way to resign LeBron James. Rob Pelinka, general manager, has now received some answers to those queries, the most pressing of which concerns James.
According to ESPN, free agent LeBron James has decided to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million deal. The deal contains a player option and no trade clause. pic.twitter.com/gAEOmvfAzZ
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
Lakers News: LeBron James Re-Signs 2-Year Deal
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers and LeBron James have agreed on a two-year, $104 million max contract to return to Los Angeles. The contract has a player option and a no-trade provision. James now joins Phoenix’s Bradley Beal as the NBA’s only two players without trade clauses.
This was a no-brainer for the Lakers. They were eager to make any bargain James desired so that he might return to the purple and gold.
The 39-year-old was allegedly prepared to accept a pay reduction if the team could add an impact player like Klay Thompson, James Harden, or Jonas Valanciunas, who have all signed elsewhere.
With those men gone, James is cashing in for the 2024-25 season and will most certainly return to free agency next summer.
James is now entering his sixth season in Los Angeles, where he hopes to win another championship. Last season with the Lakers, he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. In addition, he shot a career-high 41% from three points.
Pelinka is now entrusted with assembling a fantastic squad around the superstar pair of James and Anthony Davis.
