LeBron James will return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season after agreeing to a new two-year, $104 million deal with the club, according to multiple US reports. James, who will turn 40 in December, opted out of his existing deal with the Lakers last week, a move that analysts believed would give the team more financial flexibility to recruit new players. The NBA superstar’s decision to re-sign with the Lakers was widely expected, especially after the team drafted his eldest son, Bronny James, last week. James has consistently expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA.
ESPN and The Athletic reported that James’ new contract includes a no-trade clause, meaning he cannot be traded to another team without his consent. This clause further solidifies his commitment to the Lakers. The four-time NBA champion, who holds the league’s all-time leading points scoring record, will be entering his 22nd season in the 2024-2025 season. James led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020, but the team has struggled to reach the same heights since then. This past season, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Following the dismissal of head coach Darvin Ham, the Lakers appointed James’ podcast partner and television commentator J.J. Redick as the team’s new head coach last month. With James returning and a new coach in place, the Lakers will be hoping to contend for a championship in the upcoming season.
