LeBron James Signs Massive Extension with the Lakers

Just as everyone expected, LeBron James is going absolutely nowhere after next season. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has signed a two-year extension worth a whopping $85 million.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $85 million maximum contract extension with the franchise, CEO of Klutch Sports, Rich Paul, told @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 2, 2020

It may have taken a year longer than he wanted, but LeBron brought a title to the Lakers and as it stands right now on paper, is in line to bring another next season. His previous contract had a player option for $41 million for 2021-22, which is essentially now null-and-void.

LeBron is going to be making $42 million at 39 years old. 😳

🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/13nuWEEyDp
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) December 2, 2020

The soon-to-be 36-year-old seems like he's a fine wine who's only getting better with age. LeBron heads into his 18th NBA season and has admitted he's going to be coasting until the all-star break given the team hasn't had much of an offseason.

The Lakers now turn their attention to Anthony Davis who is expected to announce a contract extension sometime around December 21st, when the super-max deadline hits.

Photo credit: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire

LeBron checking his bank account. pic.twitter.com/wdjfImWLF2
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) December 2, 2020

That contract was criticized at the time and afterwards. But I’ll always remember the way it was explained: Rewarding Hall of Famers is part of the Lakers brand. It gets noticed by other Hall of Fame caliber players ...
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) December 2, 2020