LeBron James Says New $101M Lakers Contract ‘Could Be’ Last NBA Deal He Ever Signs

zach bacharContributor IJuly 8, 2024

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James isn’t sure if he’s willing to sign another NBA deal after his new contract expires.

James revealed that his current deal may be his last in an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“I mean, it could be [the last contract I will ever sign],” James said (2:35 mark). “I’d never sit up here and say, ‘Oh, maybe not.’ Yeah, it could be. Easily. But we’ll see what happens.”

The 39-year-old returned to the Lakers on a two-year deal worth $101.4 million on Wednesday, keeping him under contract through 2026. James also owns a player option for the 2025-26 season.

If he plays out the remainder of his current deal, he’ll surpass Hall of Fame wing Vince Carter for the most seasons played in an NBA career with 23.

James has set countless records throughout his legendary career, and there isn’t much left for him to achieve that he hasn’t previously accomplished. He’s already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with four MVPs under his belt, winning championships with three separate organizations.

He earned his 20th All-Star appearance during his 2023-24 campaign, setting a new NBA record. James finished the year by averaging 25.7 points and 8.3 assists per game on 54.0/41.0/75.0 shooting splits, marking the second season of his career in which he connected on at least 40 percent of his threes.

He’ll also be fulfilling a dream by sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, next season. The Lakers selected the younger James with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, subsequently signing him to a four-year deal worth $7.9 million.

While LeBron is set to return and help Los Angeles bounce back from a first-round playoff exit, his long-term future in the association is far from a certainty.