LeBron James expected to sign an extension with Lakers / News - Basketnews.com

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is eligible to sign the contract extension with the California team, and everything points in that direction, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports.

"All signs point toward both sides looking to extend their partnership together," McMenamin said. "It already led to one championship in 2020. It's also led to two playoff appearances where they didn't make it."

"Still, overall, I think both sides recognize that they can help one another get to their mutual goal, which is to compete at a high level and stay relevant as both one of the best players in the NBA and one of the most marquee franchises in the NBA," added McMenamin.

James is eligible to sign a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension with the Lakers. The Lakers superstar will become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn't sign an extension until June 30.

The 37-year-old is in his contract's final year, worth $44.5 million. 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.

It is possible that the 4-time NBA champion James could go after a one-year extension, worth $47 million for the 2023-24 season, with an additional year with a player option for 2024-25, so he has an option to team up with his eldest son Bronny, who will be eligible to join the NBA in 2024.

Last season the 4-time NBA MVP averaged 30.3 points per game, becoming the oldest player ever to average at least 30 points per game. He also averaged 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

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