LeBron James will return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season after agreeing to a new two-year, $104 million deal with the club, according to multiple US reports on Wednesday.
James, who will turn 40 in December, opted out of his previous contract with the Lakers last week. Analysts suggested this move would free up funds to recruit new players.
The NBA superstar was widely expected to re-sign with the Lakers, especially after the team drafted his eldest son, Bronny James, last week. James has long expressed his desire to play in the NBA alongside his son.
ESPN and The Athletic reported that James’ new deal includes a no-trade clause, preventing him from being traded to another team without his consent.
The four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer will be playing his 22nd season in 2024-2025. He led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020 but has struggled to return the team to the top since then. This year, the Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers recently appointed James’ podcast partner and television commentator J.J. Redick as head coach, following the dismissal of Darvin Ham last month.