LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
So LeBron James returns on a 1-plus-1 deal for his 22nd season and takes his future year-to-year now in the NBA. https://t.co/o1YPztpbMT
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will have a player option in 2025-26 and a no trade clause as he plays out the final years of his career in the City of Angels.
LeBron James Agrees to 1+1 Deal With Lakers
Heading into his 22nd season, James will be 40 years old in December, and the end is nigh. The NBA legend has had a tremendous career up to this point, winning four NBA championships, four NBA Finals MVP awards, and four NBA MVP awards. A 20-time All-Star and 20-time All-NBA selection as well, his two decades of dominance will never be forgotten. His eventual retirement is sure to shake the foundations of the league, leaving a chasm that perhaps no player can fill.
James’s stature is not only influenced by his impact on the court but off of it. Business to philanthropy. City development to civic duty. A rare individual who has been a role model through his actions and inactions —James has never been in any trouble —he’s a rare breed.
Can He Win Another Championship?
While James is still fighting and kicking, his goal remains winning a championship.
His body has to hold up. Running mate Anthony Davis’s body has to hold up. Indeed, as the Boston Celtics’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals demonstrated, it wouldn’t hurt for luck to be on their side. Nonetheless, so long as their dynamic duo are playing at All-Star level, they have every chance to reach the playoffs.
From there, the chess match that ensues will see Lakers head coach JJ Redick put his genius to the test. If he proves himself to be a Grandmaster, Los Angeles will have the last laugh.
Of course, the Lakers could make it easier on James, Davis, and Redick if they bring in another All-Star-caliber player.
They’ve been jilted by James Harden, Klay Thompson, and seemingly DeMar DeRozan. In fact, this is the reason James is signing for the max instead of taking a pay cut.
Nonetheless, players like Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram could prove useful, particularly Markkanen. With the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans listening to offers for the stars, Los Angeles shouldn’t stop looking for a way for theirs to align.
What About Zach LaVine?
The carrot being dangled in front of them is currently Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.
A two-time All-Star, LaVine is an exceptional jump shooter and passable playmaker whose offensive skills do blend well with James and Davis. However, he’s injury-prone and his inconsistent defense could make him a weak link.
There’s still a conversation with agent Rich Paul and Lakers on James taking $1 million or so below max to keep team below second-apron and able to keep a little more roster-building flexibility, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/6OjREPfe17
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
L.A. does need to maximize the championship window James gives them. With that being said, LaVine may need to become a Laker to do that. At least, if they can’t get a different star first.
