LeBron James Signs $97.1m Extension Deal With The Lakers

Summary

• LeBron James signs two year extension with the LA Lakers
• James will get $97.1 million as part of this new contract extension
• He is now the highest paid player in the NBA surpassing Kevin Durant

LeBron James and the LA Lakers did not have a great time last year but the Lakers were more than happy to offer James a contract extension and retain his services.

James was only able to sign a 2 year extension with the Lakers since he will turn 38 when his current deal signed in 2018 with the Lakers expires and the collective bargaining agreement in the NBA allows players over 38 to only sign 2 year contracts.

Lakers Agrees To Pay James $97.1 Million

James who is widely regarded amongst the top 3 current players in the NBA agreed to a 2 year contract extension valued at $97.1 million. The contract agreement also has a player option for the 2024-25 season along with a 15 percent trade kicker.

Since James was the one who agreed for the contract extension, he will not be allowed to invoke a trade during this period. Once his two year contract is over, James will have the option to extend his contract again with the Lakers or move on.

Last season, James finished with an average of 30.3 points, 6.2 assists and 8.2 rebounds. It was a rather average season for the 18 time All Star as his season was plagued with injuries and he only ended up playing 56 games for the Lakers. James will once again team up with Anthony Davis this time to see if he can become a 5 time NBA Champion.

James Now The Highest Paid Player In The NBA

This new 2 year contract extension with the Lakers along with the 15 percent trade kicker makes James the highest paid player in the NBA as he has now surpassed Kevin Durant earning over $532 million in guaranteed prize money during his NBA career so far. James’ overall net worth is estimated to be just over $1 billion.

James will finish his 2 contract with the Lakers when he is 40 and could very well extend again and finish out his career with the Lakers. James has said in the past that his goal is to play alongside his son Bronny James in the NBA before retiring. Bronny will be eligible to enter the NBA draft in 2024.