LeBron James, Lakers agree to two-year, $104 million deal

LeBron James, Lakers agree to two-year, $104 million deal

It was only a matter of time before LeBron James officially re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. As of Wednesday, it’s now officially official.

James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million deal with the organization, which includes a player option in the final season as well as a no-trade clause, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski first reported Wednesday morning.

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

James joins Bradley Beal as the NBA’s only two players without a no-trade clause.

The deal also places them barely put them above the second apron, though they will still be able to make cost-cutting decisions before he officially puts pen-to-paper. They limit their flexibility ten-fold by being over the aforementioned second apron–and they don’t already have their full non-taxpayer mid-level exception nor any previous trade exceptions they could use.

Thus, conventional wisdom suggests, however, that another big move for Los Angeles is out the window–but never say never. James and his agency have been open to the idea, but this could be the biggest–and perhaps final–nail in the coffin, barring something unforeseen.

He averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists on 54.0 percent shooting, 41.0 percent from 3-point range and 75.0 percent from the free-throw line. He will be through his age-23 season by the end of his new deal … which oddly feels fitting because of what number he’s worn for most of his career.

James headlines Team USA’s Olympic basketball men’s squad that will be competing in Paris, France, beginning on July 26. It will be his first Olympic run since 2012–his second gold medal of his career.

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This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.

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