Wednesday, LeBron James agreed to extend at the Los Angeles Lakers for two more years. Under contract until 2025 (with a “player option” over the last season), the winger, at 37, therefore chose to spend his last competitive years in California.
But before making such a choice, the King obviously asked for guarantees. And unsurprisingly, discussions between the two camps have never been regarding money. This issue was quickly settled with a deal for the maximum over the maximum term (at his age): $97.1 million over 2 years.
On the other hand, the Angelenos had to make commitments. According to information from journalist Marc Stein, the Californian leaders ensured the competitiveness of the Lakers in the short term. Thus, the management of Los Angeles is ready to do anything to strengthen the team now. Even if it means sacrificing the future of the franchise.
We think in particular of the two choices in the first round of the Draft, in 2027 and 2029, now available in the event of a major movement. With in particular a persistent interest for Kyrie Irving, whose recruitment remains claimed by LBJ.
In reality, these are logical requirements for LeBron James. He had to make sure he was on a roster ready to do anything to win a new title. And the Lakers seem to share that vision.
LeBron James, the Kyrie Irving case complicated his deal with the Lakers
