LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers hold talks over contract extension
James is eligible to sign a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers. Paul expects both sides to continue a dialogue moving forward.
LeBron James and the Lakers had a “productive” discussion about their future together on Thursday, according to a report on ESPN.
The sides talked and LeBron’s agent, Rich Paul, told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that the discussions were “productive”. No new deal has been agreed upon yet, however.
LeBron James and his representative Rich Paul of Klutch Sports met with Lakers VP of basketball ops and GM Rob Pelinka on Thursday regarding James’ eligible contract extension. Paul told ESPN the discussion was “productive” and both sides will continue a dialogue.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) August 4, 2022
LeBron meets Lakers for talks
James and Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports Group, met with Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka as well as new Lakers coach Darvin Ham at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo, California, on Thursday.
It was the first day James was eligible to sign a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers. Paul told ESPN he expects both sides to continue a dialogue moving forward.
The veteran basketball star is entering his contract’s final year, worth $44.5 million, and will be 38 years old when his current deal is up. The maximum length of a contract a player aged 38 or older can sign is two years, according to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
LeBron has until June 30 of next year to sign an extension with the Lakers. The Lakers can offer two years at $97.1 million, one year at $47 million, or LeBron could choose a 1+1 option where he would have a player option after the first season of his extension.