Credits: Inquirer.net
LeBron James is set to return for a record-tying 22nd season in the NBA, potentially sharing the court with his son Bronny James as teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron has agreed to a two-year contract to stay with the Lakers, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The second year of the deal is at James’ option, allowing him the possibility of becoming a free agent next summer. The source spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, as the agreement has not been officially announced.
ESPN reported that the Lakers and LeBron’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, might agree on a salary slightly below the maximum possible. This financial maneuver aims to keep the team from hitting the second apron and maintain roster flexibility.
Regardless, James is expected to earn around $50 million this season, pushing his career on-court earnings to approximately $530 million, making him the first player in NBA history to surpass the $500 million mark.
This season will mark LeBron’s 22nd in the NBA, tying Vince Carter’s record for the longest career in league history. The Lakers recently selected Bronny James in the second round of the draft, setting the stage for the first father-son duo in NBA history to play together.
Bronny James has already signed his first NBA contract, a four-year deal worth $7.9 million, with $1.2 million as his rookie year salary. The last year of the contract is at the Lakers’ option.
LeBron’s new contract also clears a logistical hurdle, enabling him to join USA Basketball for the start of its training camp in Las Vegas this weekend, where the team will prepare for the Paris Olympics. James is set to compete in the Olympics for the fourth time, having last played in the 2012 London Games, where he helped the U.S. win gold.
Turning 40 in December, LeBron averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists last season, remaining the oldest active player in the league. He is the NBA’s all-time leader in points (40,474) and ranks fourth in assists (11,009), sixth in games played (1,492), and eighth in both 3-pointers made (2,410) and steals (2,275).
James holds records for 20 All-Star selections and 20 appearances on the All-NBA team. Remarkably, he became the youngest player to make All-NBA for the 2004-05 season and, this past season, became the first player aged 39 or older to earn an All-NBA spot.
LeBron’s return marks another milestone in his illustrious career, with the added excitement of potentially playing alongside his son, making NBA history once again.