Getty Image / Patrick Smith
This offseason has been loaded with speculation about the future of LeBron James.
There have been plenty of people talking about the Lakers trading LeBron. There had been talk about whether he wanted to return to the Cavs. There was the discussion about him wanting to play alongside his son, Bronny, which would likely to him leaving the Lakers somewhere down the line.
Today, basketball fans learned what the future of LeBron’s career would hold for at least the next couple of years.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that LeBron had signed a 2-year extension with the Lakers worth $97.1 million and that can get as high as $111 million depending on the salary cap in 2023-24.
BREAKING: Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has agreed on a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension – including a player option for the 2024-2025 season, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. James had been entering final year of deal worth $44.5M.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 17, 2022
The deal can increase to $111 million if the salary cap in 2023-2024 rises to a substantially higher number.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 17, 2022
The deal also means that LeBron will have made more money than any other player in NBA history.
The two-year, $97.1M extension, which includes a 15 percent trade kicker, makes LeBron James the highest earning player in NBA history with $532M in guaranteed money. He surpasses Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant. pic.twitter.com/UUHMspiKZp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 17, 2022
The deal sets him up to become a free agent for Bronny’s rookie year, giving him the freedom to team up with his son.
Basketball World Reacts To LeBron James Signing A Massive 2-Year Extension With The Lakers
LeBron hitting the free-agent market when Bronny is a rookie pic.twitter.com/PXIY99T2K5
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) August 17, 2022
LeBron after becoming the highest earning player in NBA history with $532M in guaranteed money 🤑pic.twitter.com/V32rP0AIUT
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) August 17, 2022
Lakers fans after realizing they have LeBron for the next 3 seasons 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Lsv6ZH9OhB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 17, 2022
With LeBron’s extension officially done, have to wonder if the Lakers’ pursuit of Kyrie Irving kicks up another notch very soon.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) August 17, 2022