LeBron James Will Be Highest Paid Player In NBA History

LeBron James Will Be Highest Paid Player In NBA History With Latest Contract Extension

The debate about the greatest basketball player of all time will be an ongoing one based on preferences set by whoever is discussing the criteria. One thing is certain, Los Angeles Lakers forward, LeBron James, who will always be in that conversation has recently become the highest-paid basketball player in NBA history, undisputed.

According to NBA.com, James has signed a contract extension for an additional two years to stay with the Lakers. In a written statement, Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka said “LeBron is a generational basketball player who has proven to be even more impactful as a human being,” Pelinka said. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with him, ensuring he’s a driving force of Lakers culture for years to come. The Lakers platform has proved again and again to be an ideal place for the game’s all-time greats to thrive and achieve. We are thankful LeBron has experienced the power of that. With his transcendent talent, unrivaled passion and dedication to causing powerful change in our society, LeBron continues to cement his legacy in Los Angeles and around the globe.”

Although the Lakers did not disclose the financial terms of the extension, ESPN was the first media outlet to report that James signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension. Included in the extension is a player option for the 2024-25 season, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul informed ESPN earlier this week.

With the amount that James signed to remain with the team, he has surpassed Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant as the league’s highest-paid player in NBA history. CNBC reports that with this latest extension, James will make at least $528,992,480 in guaranteed money during the length of his career. Durant’s current contract has him making $498,688,653.

The four-time NBA champion is entering his fifth season with the Lakers as he has averaged 27.0 points (.509 FG%, .353 3P%), 8.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 223 games. In 2020, he helped lead the Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship. During that campaign, he averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.2 steals to take home his fourth NBA Finals MVP award. James has scored 7,631 career points in the postseason giving him the distinction of having the most in league history. He is currently in second place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list while being the only player in NBA history to record 10,000+ points, 10,000+ rebounds, and 10,000+ assists in his career.

LeBron James Will Be Highest Paid Player In NBA History With Latest Contract Extension