LeBron James Signs 2-Year Max Contract Despite Claiming He Would Take A Pay Cut As Lakers Failed To Live Up To Their End Of The Bargain

LeBron James signs two-year dealLeBron James (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
LeBron James has been linked to several free-agency teams. Yet, the Los Angeles Lakers star has revealed his intention to stay with the Lakers by expressing his willingness to take a pay cut. Nevertheless, reports indicate that LeBron has not taken a pay cut. Rather, he signs a 2-year, $104 million max contract with the Lakers.

This deal includes a no-trade clause and a player option, ensuring James remains with the Los Angeles Lakers until he is 41. The 39-year-old star is about $20 million shy of becoming the first player in league history to surpass $500 million in on-court earnings.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers and James’ agent, Rich Paul, are still discussing James taking approximately $1 million below the maximum to allow for more flexibility in roster building.

“There’s still a conversation with agent Rich Paul and the Lakers on James taking $1 million or so below max to keep the team below second-apron and able to keep a little more roster-building flexibility,” Wojnarowski reported.

Due to a quirk in the NBA salary cap rules, the Lakers cannot offer James a contract longer than three years. Nonetheless, his new deal is enough for the Lakers to build a championship-caliber team.

LeBron James’ Son Intends to Sign a Multi-Year Guaranteed Rookie Contract

LeBron James’ new deal follows the news of his son, Bronny James, being drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Lakers legend has often expressed his desire to play alongside Bronny, which is why this draft has become a meaningful moment for both father and son. Reportedly, Bronny plans to sign a multiyear guaranteed rookie contract with the Lakers.

LeBron has faced considerable backlash regarding Bronny’s draft. Critics have accused him of nepotism, suggesting that Bronny’s selection was influenced more by his father’s name than his abilities.

It will be interesting to see if the Lakers offer Bronny, a second-round draft pick, an unprecedented, fully guaranteed contract.