nba: LeBron becomes highest paid NBA player

LeBron James has agreed a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers through the 2024-25 season, his agent announced Wednesday.

Clutch Sports CEO Rich Paul said the league-maximum deal would make James the highest-paid player in NBA history. His new deal includes a player option that would keep him the second leading scorer in NBA history after his 40th birthday with the Lakers in December 2024.

James, 37, is moving into the final year of his most recent contract with the Lakers, who signed the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and four-time league champion in July 2018. The new deal means 18-times. The All-Star will make $46.7 million this season.

Injury barring, James could overtake Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s career scoring king this winter. James and the Lakers still hope to be in contention for another title if James and Anthony Davis can return to full health after the 2021-22 finish without a playoff appearance.

James’ new deal coincides with Davis’ most recent contract extension with the Lakers, allowing the two to leave the Lakers or negotiate new deals in 2024. Both superstars are represented by Clutch.

Originally published at Pen 18