Lakers re-sign LeBron James to contact extension close to $100 million

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 30, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

According to Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report,  Los Angeles Lakers forward and guard LeBron James of Akron, Ohio has signed a two-year contract extension to remain in southern California. However, it is the financial terms of the contract is what has everybody talking. James is set to make $46.7 million in 2022-23, and then a total of $97.1 million over the next two seasons. That figure can increase to $111 million if the NBA salary cap significantly increases in 2023-24.

James’s total worth is $1 billion. He officially became a billionaire at the beginning of June according to Chase Peterson-Withorn of Forbes.

What makes James a continued asset at age 37 is his versatility. He can play multiple positions–small forward, power forward, point guard and shooting guard.

In 2021-22, James was an all-star for his 18th straight season. He averaged 30.3 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, 6.2 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, 1.1 blocks per game, a field goal percentage of .524, three-point percentage of .359, and free throw percentage of .756.

James has now spent four seasons with the Lakers, and is the only player in NBA history to be named the NBA Finals most valuable player with three different teams. He accomplished the feat with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and Lakers in 2020.

The Lakers meanwhile as a unit did not meet expectations in 2021-22. It was simply not even remotely close. With Russell Westbrook joining James in Los Angeles, there was a belief the Lakers could be able to contend for a championship this past year. Instead, the Lakers had a record of 33 wins and 49 losses and did not even make the play-in round for the NBA playoffs.

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