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In a significant move for the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James has officially re-signed with the team on a two-year, $101.35 million contract. This agreement, reported first by The Athletic, includes a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause.
James’ new deal will pay him $48.73 million for the 2024-25 season, which is $1.26 million less than the maximum salary he could have received. His salary for the 2025-26 season is projected to be $52.62 million, also slightly below the max he could have signed for. This strategic pay cut keeps the Lakers below the second-apron threshold, maintaining financial flexibility for the team.
Speaking in Las Vegas, James addressed the media for the first time since the Lakers drafted his son, Bronny James, and hired new head coach JJ Redick. He explained his decision to opt for a shorter contract rather than a three-year, $162 million deal, allowing him to evaluate his future and the team’s direction next offseason.
James, entering his 22nd NBA season and seventh with the Lakers, remains focused on the future. The Lakers were projected to be over the second-apron threshold if James had signed a max deal, but his pay cut keeps the team under the $188.9 million limit by a narrow margin of $45,000, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Teams exceeding this threshold face severe roster-building limitations.
LeBron signed his contract just before Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas, preparing for the Paris Olympics. Even at nearly 40 years old, James continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in the 2023-24 season, with career-high shooting percentages.
Notably, James surpassed 40,000 career points and extended his NBA-record double-digit scoring streak to 1,222 consecutive regular-season games last season. Despite his willingness to take a significant pay cut to add a star player, the Lakers’ roster remains complete with 15 players, including the re-signed Max Christie.
