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    LeBron James returning to Lakers on $104 million contract after team drafts son Bronny

    By Jenna Lemoncelli,

    20 days ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=27I1Ca_0uDQVX3A00

    The King’s decision is here.

    James, 39, has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum contract to return to the Lakers, according to ESPN .

    The new deal reportedly includes a no-trade clause and a player option.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3OGjfH_0uDQVX3A00
    LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. AP

    James’ agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports and the Lakers are still discussing the possibility of James taking about $1 million below max to keep the team under the second-apron and allow room for roster flexibility, a source told ESPN.

    Paul said James, who will turn 40 in December, was “prioritizing a roster improvement” while working out his new contract.

    Bronny James’ surprising contract details revealed after LeBron’s $104 million Lakers deal

    James’ new deal puts the Lakers slightly above the $188.9M second apron, per ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks .

    The four-time NBA champ opted out of the final year of his contract with the Lakers — worth $51.4 million for the 2024-25 season — last week.

    His decision to re-sign came one week after the Lakers selected his oldest son, Bronny James, with the 55th overall pick in the NBA draft.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2qLn1h_0uDQVX3A00
    LeBron James (r.) and his son Bronny (l.) during Bronny’s Lakers introductory news conference on Tuesday. AP
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3q1To0_0uDQVX3A00
    Bronny James speaks during his Lakers news conference on Tuesday. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

    Bronny James will ‘get through’ doubters after being drafted by LeBron’s Lakers

    They will be the first father and son to play in the league at the same time, let alone on the same team.

    “My last year will be played with my son,” James told the Athletic in 2022. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be.

    “I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”

    However, 19-year-old Bronny explained that he “never really has a thought” of playing with his dad.

    “I’m … trying to get my name out for myself,” Bronny said Tuesday during his introductory press conference with the Lakers. “I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. That’s always there to take part of, but it wasn’t a main focus of mine.”

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    #JamesGang pic.twitter.com/4hZDSupHJw

    — Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 3, 2024

    James and Bronny were also seen talking and doing their handshake while at the Lakers facility.

    The rookie also suited up in his No. 9 Lakers jersey and posed for photos with his dad and mom, Savannah James.

    James is coming off his sixth season with the Lakers, during which he shot a career-best 41 percent from downtown.

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3c81Ik_0uDQVX3A00
    Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter during Game 5 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 29, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images

    He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game in his 21st NBA season.

    The Lakers also added James’ good friend and former podcast partner, JJ Redick — who retired from the NBA in 2021 — following Darvin Ham ‘s dismissal after two years.

    For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/

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