LeBron James has signed a two-year deal to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers with him now looking set to become the first NBA player to figure alongside his son.
James has signed a two-year, $104 million deal to stay with the Lakers after he declined his player option on a one-year deal last week - instead signing a new deal. This ensures that James will stay with the Lakers for at least this season, with the second year once again being a player-option - a clear indication that James Sr. will now take each year as it comes before making his retirement decision.
The NBA legend has insinuated that his retirement is close, but is looking to play with his eldest son, Bronny James Jr, a dream which was made a reality last week when the Lakers drafted him in the second round.
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After signing a new deal with the Lakers, he will play hope to see Bronny make the team and crack into the rotation at some point - making history as the first father-son duo in the NBA.
Reports had emerged that James Sr would sign a new contract that would be team-friendly to the Lakers, and while his new deal looks to be an increase in pay on paper, it is likely to be a contract that will be backloaded. This means that the majority of the money is likely to be tied into the second season, leaving the Lakers with less salary cap space allocated to James in order for the team to make acquisitions this offseason.
One player who the Lakers could be targeting is James' close friend Chris Paul, who was waived by the Golden State Warriors who have begun retooling their roster after losing Klay Thompson. Paul could be seen as a key player for Bronny to play alongside and learn from, while James Sr has long expressed his desire to play with him - something he has yet been able to do in the NBA.
Should LeBron opt to remain with the Lakers after the 2024/25 season, he can be expected to decline his player option contract before signing a new deal. But for now, it looks to be the case that the 39-year-old will take it year-by-year.
But for now at least, he looks to be closing in and getting his dream on playing with his son, while being coached by close friend and podcast co-host JJ Redick who joined the team last week.