LeBron James has officially signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the details of the agreement include some significant provisions.
On Wednesday, James and the Lakers reached an agreement on a two-year, $104 million maximum contract. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the contract features a player option for the second year and a no-trade clause.
This contract structure provides James with substantial leverage. He is not obligated to remain with the Lakers beyond the upcoming season, and he cannot be traded without his consent.
The no-trade clause has likely become even more crucial for LeBron, especially after the Lakers selected his son Bronny in the second round of the draft last week. Notably, LeBron’s previous contract with the Lakers did not include a no-trade clause.
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LeBron’s decision to approach his career on a year-by-year basis is unsurprising, given that he will turn 40 early next season.
Despite his age, the four-time NBA MVP continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game last season. However, he has acknowledged that his illustrious career is drawing to a close.
If LeBron and Bronny manage to play in a game together next season, they will become the first father-son duo to do so in NBA history. Although Bronny insists he is not focused on this milestone, the possibility adds an exciting narrative to the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, LeBron’s younger son, Bryce James, recently hinted at when he believes his father might retire, adding another layer of speculation to LeBron’s future in the league.
