Agent: James agrees to two-year, $85M contract extension with Lakers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James has agreed to a twoyear, $85 million contract extension through the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, confirmed the deal
Wednesday during the first week of training camp for the NBA champions. The Lakers are still finalizing their new contract with big man
Anthony Davis, who is also represented by Paul.
James is getting the maximum deal to extend his tenure in Los Angeles, where he moved two seasons ago after his second stint with his hometown Cavaliers. Davis and James teamed up last season and won the Lakers’ 17th championship in the bubble in central Florida.
James’ previous contract ran through the upcoming season with a player option for 2021-22, allowing the third-leading scorer in league history to become a free agent next summer if he chose. Instead, James has committed to play through his 20th NBA season with the Lakers.
James turns 36 years old in four weeks, but the 16-time All-Star’s level of play hasn’t dipped much after 17 seasons in the league. James averaged 25.3 points and led the NBA with 10.2 assists per game last season before winning the NBA Finals MVP award in October while beating the Miami Heat in six games.
The Lakers are returning this winter with a roster that looks even better than last season’s group on paper, with veterans Dennis Schroder, Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol and Wesley Matthews joining the rotation around James and Davis.