LeBron James Taking Almost $3 Million Pay Cut On New Deal With The Lakers

LeBron James is reportedly taking a pay cut on his new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers . According to NBA insider Shams Charania , James isn't signing the max but has instead agreed to a two-year, $101.3 million deal.

"LeBron James' final two-year deal total, per sources: $101.355 million – almost $3M less than his $104M max, placing Lakers below second apron."

As Charania pointed out, James could have signed for $104 million but chose to help the team by not doing so. Now, this isn't quite as significant as the $16 million pay cut that the 39-year-old was reportedly willing to take for an impact player, but ensuring the team didn't fall into that second apron is massive.

As per the new CBA, teams in that apron face various penalties. First of all, they don't have access to any mid-level exception in free agency, which is quite problematic. When it comes to trades, they cannot aggregate contracts or send cash. They can't even acquire players when they sign and trade their own free agents. A second-apron team this season, wouldn't have been allowed to trade their 2032 first-round pick next year either.

With his pay cut, which has put the Lakers below the second apron by $45K, James has ensured that his team will have some flexibility moving forward. Now we wait and see what they do with it. Perhaps the most notable point from the ones I mentioned, is that the front office can now aggregate contracts.

Will the Lakers package together some players like D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura to acquire a big star? James would certainly love that.

Charania added that the deal, which includes a player option and a no-trade clause, now also has a 15 percent trade kicker. That would be one way to recoup the money James is giving up in this deal.

Could LeBron potentially leave the Lakers next year? I think there is a chance, if the front office stays pat. The 20-time All-Star averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in the 2023-24 season, and is desperate to win another championship or two. If no major moves are made, he might just head out and join a team that can contend.

LeBron James Spoke On The Lakers' Offseason

The Lakers have undoubtedly had a disappointing offseason thus far. They have not signed anyone and haven't pulled off any trades either, which has angered the fanbase. James was recently asked about the Lakers' offseason and he put a positive spin on the situation.

"We're excited about JJ," said LeBron. "We're excited to work with JJ and also to work with coach Brooks and coach McMillan as well. Those are great pieces to add to our coaching staff. I'm super excited to work with JJ and to start work in the fall. Throughout the course of the college season Dalton, besides Bronny, was my favorite coach in college basketball. I watched his game throughout the whole season, I just liked his ability to shoot the ball, his athleticism... the demeanor that he plays with. I did not think he would fall to 17 at all."

Replacing Darvin Ham with JJ Redick and adding Dalton Knecht isn't going to be enough to make the Lakers serious contenders in 2024-25, though. They need more and perhaps with them having clarity now on James' deal. we will see some moves being made.

Related: LeBron James Will Play At Least Two More Years Before Trying To Become An NBA Owner

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