The extension, which includes a 15% kicker trade, makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in career guaranteed money, surpassing Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant. James is not eligible for a no-trade clause because he agreed to an extension — not a new deal. But the new contract’s $46.7 million starting salary, 15 percent of the trade kicker and James’ stature as one of the all-time greats likely make him a Laker for as long as he chooses. James was entering the final season of his contract ($44.5 million) and now joins All-Star Anthony Davis with the option to negotiate new deals with the Lakers or become a free agent in two seasons.
1 Related With the deal, the four-time NBA champion and MVP and 18-time All-Star allays concerns that he could enter free agency next summer. Despite approaching 38, James remains an NBA-level player and the centerpiece of the Lakers’ hopes. James is not eligible for a trade during the upcoming 2022-23 season because the second year of his extension exceeds the 5% raise. The Lakers could have at least $20 million in salary-cap space in the 2023 offseason and will have the option to sign a third max player in the 2024 offseason. Player options increase salary-cap space if players decline them , and yet remain in new offers. James, who turns 38 on Dec. 30, is limited to signing a two-year extension because he will be 38 or older when his current contract expires, a rule in the league’s collective bargaining agreement. The Lakers missed the playoffs in 2022 despite James averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Injuries limited James to 56 games.
