He is one of the oldest players in the NBA, but his franchise offers him a golden bridge to extend it.
LeBron James, 37, will extend his lease with the Los Angeles Lakers for two more years, the second being optional.
His contract will now run until the end of the 2024-2025 season, ESPN and The Athletic report on Wednesday.
The American basketball superstar "has agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension - including an option for the 2024-2025 season," said ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, quoting Rich Paul, the player's agent.
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
$532 million career guaranteed
LeBron James, NBA champion with Los Angeles in 2020, had a one-year contract with the Californian franchise, for which he must receive $ 44.5 million.
Given that the salary cap is expected to be negotiated upwards at the end of the next financial year, his salary could in reality, in his next contract, amount to 111 million dollars.
The extension, which includes a 15% signing bonus, would make him the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million guaranteed since the start of his career, surpassing Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant. .
A sum that represents only part of the income of the native of Ohio, who this year became the first billionaire basketball player in activity.
His contract extension is part of his desire to still be present on the court when his eldest son, Bronny, will be eligible for the draft in 2024. The four-time NBA champion and MVP, who will be 38 on December 30, continues to to declare that he wishes to team up with him, before retiring.
LeBron James and the Lakers will open the coming season on October 18 against the Golden State Warriors, crowned champions in June.
