LeBron to Sign 2-Year, $104M Max Deal with Lakers

LeBron James, the free-agent forward, is set to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $104 million max contract, according to sources relayed by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The new agreement includes a no-trade clause and a player option for the 2025-26 season, positioning James for potential free agency next summer. Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and James' agent, is reportedly in discussions about James accepting approximately $1 million less than the maximum salary. This concession would help the Lakers remain under the new second apron in the CBA, thereby avoiding stringent roster-building restrictions for tax-paying teams, such as the prohibition on combining multiple outgoing salaries in trades.

James was anticipated to recommit to the Lakers after declining a $51.4 million player option for the upcoming season. The four-time MVP is preparing for his 22nd NBA season and may have the chance to make history by playing alongside his son, Bronny James, whom the Lakers selected 55th overall in this year's draft. He will also play under new head coach JJ Redick, who replaced Darvin Ham in June.

Despite turning 40 this year, James remains one of the Lakers' most productive players. Last season, he led the team in scoring with 25.7 points per game and assists with 8.3 per game, while also averaging 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. His efforts helped the Lakers advance past the play-in tournament to the first round, where they were eliminated in five games by the Denver Nuggets.