First, the Lakers hired J.J. Redick as head coach, his podcast partner and without coaching experience. Then, and perhaps most importantly for their decision, the Los Angeles team selected his eldest son, Bronny, in the second round of the Draft, so that he can fulfill his dream of an unprecedented father-son duo in the NBA.
With all that on the table, this morning the obvious was confirmed: LeBron James renewed his contract with the Lakers for a maximum of two seasons and a total of 104 million dollars.
The first to report was Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN.
A few days ago, LBJ had declined the $51.4 million option for the 2024-2025 season with the Lakers, but from the first minute it was clear that it was a move to sign with the Los Angeles team under new conditions.
What are the details of LeBron James' new contract with the Lakers?
James, 39 years old, got the most he could get from a deal with the Lakers.
In any case, the contract will be signed on the basis of a “1-plus-1 deal”. That is, the 2025-2026 season (the potential second of this agreement) becomes optional and will depend on LeBron.
The same goes for the salary: the $104 million dollars will be paid if James plays both seasons and it is estimated that during the 2024-2025 championship he will pocket less than half, around 50 million dollars.
With this, the veteran who is entering his 22nd season in the NBA will have complete control over his future, as the contract will be signed with a no-trade clause.
Ready to play with his son Bronny
This Tuesday Bronny James had his first official press conference as a Lakers player and showed that he will wear the number 9 jersey, which will have the name "James Jr" on it.
Dalton Knecht, a shooting guard and first-round pick from Tennessee (17th overall), was also introduced, and he will wear the number 4.
In a conversation with journalists, Bronny James commented on the criticism he received for his selection, especially because his short stint in NCAA college basketball with USC was not outstanding: "I've seen on social media and the internet, and there's talk that maybe I don't deserve a chance. But I've been dealing with things like this all my life. So it's nothing different, but it's more amplified. I'll overcome it.".
If Bronny James has a good preseason and is selected for the Lakers roster in the 2024-2025 season starting in October, he will make history in the NBA by becoming, alongside LeBron, the first father-son duo.