On July 3, Beijing time, according to a report by Shams, James and the Lakers reached a two-year contract extension worth $104 million with a maximum salary, with the right to veto the trade, and the second year is a player option, while he could have extended his contract for up to three years and $162 million. James previously wanted to take a pay cut to recruit reinforcements, but Harden, Klay and others were unable to recruit successfully.
James still performed bravely last season, he averaged 35.3 minutes per game, 15th in the league, 25.7 points per game, 31st in the league, 8.3 assists per game, and a career-high shooting rate of 41% per game, becoming the first player in history to average 25+7+8 per game in the 21st season, and continued to set a new all-time record of at least 20+5+5 per game for 21 consecutive seasons.
Even though the Lakers led by James were in the first round of the playoffs, he averaged 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.4 steals and 1 block per game.
James had previously expressed his willingness to make sacrifices and want to take a pay cut to renew his contract in order to recruit experienced veterans like Harden or Klay, or a big man like Valanciunas who could play alongside the thick eyebrows, but the Lakers failed to recruit in a row.
The Lakers have signed Bronny on a multi-year guaranteed contract, James is also continuing for two years, and the James father and son will play on the same stage next season.