LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $ 85 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA star’s executive director of representatives, Klutch Sports has confirmed.
Rich Paul, whose agency represents James, told the Athletic and Stadium sports network on Wednesday the new deal announced by the 35-year-old, which runs until 2023.
James, a four-time NBA winner and four-time MVP, joined the Lakers after leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, but a groin injury marred his first season with the team, whose playoff chances have derailed.
However, James was back in shape in sensational style during the 2019-20 season, inspiring the Lakers to their best joint start in franchise history.
After a break from the coronavirus pandemic, James finished the regular season leading the league in assists for the first time in his career, averaging 10.2 per game.
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James scored 38 points to lead the Lakers to victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, before posting a better result in Game 5 of the Championship Series against his former team from Miami. Heat.
He recorded 40 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, although his efforts weren’t enough to secure the victory.
However, the Lakers triumphed in the next game for a 4-2 series victory, with James winning his fourth NBA title and fourth MVP of the Finals, becoming the second-oldest player in the league, behind Kareem. Abdul-Jabbar, winning the award.
According to Paul, James’ deal will last until the end of the 2022-23 NBA season and be worth up to $ 85 million.
James, who is preparing for his 17th season in the NBA, recently spoke about the chances of a Lakers youth team repeating their success in 2021.
“Can we [repeat]. I mean, it’s that simple, ”James said in an episode of the ‘Road Trippin’ podcast.
We absolutely can. First of all, it all starts with health. You have to be lucky. If we can stay healthy …
We have become younger. We have a 27 year old playmaker [Dennis Schroder]. We got the sixth man of the year award, 26 years old [winner] and Trezz [Montrezl Harrell]. We have become younger. We have marc [Gasol], who is defensive player of the year and his IQ, not only playing against him in the NBA, but also against him against Spain with the national team… “
The 2020 Lakers title was their 17th championship, but their first since 2010.