LeBron James, currently a free agent, has reportedly agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year $104 million contract, according to an ESPN reporter.
The deal apparently includes a player option (giving LeBron the power to decide to stay for another season), but does not have a trade clause.
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Free agent LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes player option and no trade clause. pic.twitter.com/gAEOmvfAzZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
Lebron (39) may possibly take roughly $1 million below the maximum to keep the Lakers under the second-apron and let the roster be flexible, according to the ESPN reporter. The conversation is occurring through LeBron’s agent Rich Paul.
Paul reportedly said James was “prioritizing a roster improvement” in the contract negotiations.
The contract boosts the valuation of the Lakers above the $188.9 million second apron, according to the ESPN NBA insider Bobby Marks.
LA Lakers: Post LeBron James signing
The Lakers are slightly above the $188.9M second apron. pic.twitter.com/WuKReX9iPa
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 3, 2024
The second apron is a new tax threshold (of $190 million) to prevent teams from reaching too high of a value by bringing on too many star players. This was added on for the 2024-2025 season to build on top of the single tax apron introduced in 2011. This threatens to hinder player acquisition staffers more than ever before in NBA history.
James had opted out of the final year of his contract ($51.4 million) last week. His choice to sign back on comes just a week after the Lakers chose Bronny James, his oldest son, for the 55th overall pick in the draft. They will be the first dad and son to play in the league at the same time—and on the same team on top of that.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James said in 2022. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. … I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
Meanwhile, Bronny says he “never really has a thought” about playing alongside his dad. ““I’m … trying to get my name out for myself,” the 19-year-old said at his press conference welcome. “I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine.”
Shane Devine is a writer covering politics and business for VT and a regular guest on The Unusual Suspects. Follow Shane’s work here.
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