LeBron's New $104M Lakers Deal: Father-Son Game Night!

LeBron's New $104M Lakers Deal: Father-Son Game Night!

3 minute read
Published: 7/3/2024

LeBron James, nearing 40, has inked a two-year, $104 million deal with the Lakers, including a no-trade clause, as he prepares to play alongside his son Bronny in an unprecedented NBA father-son duo.

Not content with just being the NBA's all-time leading scorer, LeBron James is setting yet another record—this time with a birth certificate. LeBron's new $104 million contract guarantees he'll be on the same court as his freshly drafted son, Bronny, making them the first father-son duo in NBA history. And in case you were wondering, yes, there's a no-trade clause, because let’s face it, who wants to split up this kind of game night?

LeBron James's extravagant new deal with the Lakers comes just in time for his 40th birthday on December 30, 2024. As he approaches this milestone, fans are excited about the prospect of him sharing the court with his son, Bronny James, freshly picked by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If you've ever considered the ideal father-son bonding activity, ditch the fishing rods; the Jameses have opted for layups and alley-oops.

Last season, LeBron James demonstrated that age is just a number, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages are so enviable that even math teachers might want to use them as examples: 54% from the field and 41% from 3-point range. Clearly, Father Time has yet to catch up with King James.

LeBron's individual success, however, didn't completely translate into team glory. The Lakers finished the season with a respectable 47-35 record but were shown the door in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. Heads rolled, and Coach Darvin Ham found himself updating his resume, leaving JJ Redick to step in and attempt to chart a new course.

Redick will be the fourth head coach that LeBron has played under since joining the Lakers in the 2018-19 season. The Lakers' hunt for the perfect coaching blend to complement LeBron's talents continues, but with JJ Redick's knowledge of the game and media experience, early bets are on him bringing fresh strategies and new perspectives. Maybe the fourth time's the charm for the Lakers!

Though the Lakers are undergoing changes on the sidelines, one constant has been LeBron's excellence. Last season, he set yet another milestone by being selected for his 20th All-Star appearance. Not to mention, he is already the NBA's all-time leading scorer with a stunning 40,474 points. It's good to be the King.

LeBron also made All-NBA for the 20th time during the 2023-24 season, further cementing his legacy as one of the game's greats. With four NBA championships to his name, he is known as much for his brilliance on the court as he is for his durability and longevity in the game. All-NBA honors are becoming more common for LeBron than sneakers are for some players.

It’s hard not to draw parallels between LeBron and other timeless greats, but his focus now is on the exciting prospect of playing alongside Bronny. This historic pairing is perhaps the only father-son duo that doesn’t prompt eye-rolls at nepotism accusations. Instead, it's a testament to LeBron's enduring skill and Bronny's emerging talent.

For Bronny, joining the Lakers means more than just stepping onto the NBA stage—it’s performing under the ever-watchful gaze of millions who see him both as an heir and the future of the sport. That’s quite a lot to handle, especially when your dad happens to be one of the greatest players of all time.

As for Lakers fans, they’re being treated to more than just stellar gameplay. This upcoming season promises a touch of sentimentality and a historic narrative that might just eclipse the game's usual stakes. The Jameses are not just redefining family time; they’re making NBA history in the process.

So, mark your calendars and stock up on popcorn. This fall, when the Lakers take the floor, it won’t just be for the start of another basketball season. It will be the launch of LeBron and Bronny’s grand courtly adventure—a spectacle where the passing of the torch could involve as many backdoor cuts and alley-oops as it does heartwarming moments.