In the case of the end of free agency, because the Lakers management did not do anything, James also chose to renew his contract with the Lakers with a maximum salary. It is worth mentioning that in order to help the Lakers bring in reinforcements, James had previously expressed his willingness to take a salary cut, but the Lakers did not get any stars, so of course James would not take a salary cut.
However, in order to let the Lakers fall below the second local tyrant line and facilitate the follow-up reinforcement operation, James still chose to reduce his salary by 3 million, and finally renewed his contract with the Lakers with a two-year contract of $101.35 million. James has a player option for the second year, as well as a trade veto, as well as a 15% trade margin
Although James is almost 40 years old and was already the oldest player in the league last season, he still has strong strength and a very high commercial value, so he fully deserves a contract with a maximum salary. After signing a contract extension with a maximum salary, James will also be one of the highest-paid players in the league next season.
For James, a $3 million salary cut is also a trivial matter, in fact, James can not take a salary cut at all, but in order for the team to have the opportunity to adjust the lineup in the future, James took the initiative to choose a salary cut. Of course, because the Lakers selected Bronny and helped James fulfill the dream of father and son on the same stage, James's salary cut is equivalent to paying Bronny's salary.
After signing a contract extension with the Lakers, it means that James is likely to play two more seasons, at least one more season. Next season will be the 22nd season of James' career, and James will tie Carter as the longest-serving player in history.
In addition, next season will also be James' seventh consecutive season with the Lakers, which will tie the record for the longest consecutive career with the same team. Prior to joining the Lakers, James only played for the Cavaliers and the Heat, including two for the Cavaliers, the first of which was seven seasons. James joined the Lakers at the age of 34, but he didn't expect him to play until he was 40 years old and not retire, and he also played for the Lakers for 7 seasons, and even longer.
If James plays two more seasons, he will not only break Carter's record of 22 seasons, but also break his own record for the longest time he has played for a team.