New Netflix documentaries Start 5 offers an inside look at the lives of five NBA players during the 2023-24 season, including Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James. James' Uninterrupted is executive produced with partners Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions and Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground. The series explores James' life both on and off the field. Due to how important he has been to the sport and the face of the Lakers, there has long been speculation as to when he would part ways with the team and the NBA in general.
Viewers witness how James navigates a season full of challenges and personal moments: as revealed in Start 5Naturally, there are questions about how long he will play for the Lakers. The 38-year-old, who remains one of the most influential figures in the league, has fans eager to find out whether his time in Los Angeles will extend beyond his current contract and what factors could shape his future with the franchise.
LeBron James has 2 years left on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James currently has two years left on his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, signed in July 2024. The $101.35 million deal includes a no-trade clause and a player option for the 2025-26 season, which technically means it will be a two-year contract. one-year contract with the option for James to resign. If he fulfills the entire contract, James will remain with the Lakers until he is 41 years old. His salary for the 2024–25 season is expected to be around $50 million, bringing his total career on-court earnings to around $530 million.
The structure of James' contract, negotiated by his agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, allows the Lakers some roster flexibility while avoiding the second tier of the salary cap. This was achieved by agreeing to be paid just below the maximum amount. James' decision to return for a 22nd season in the NBA maintains the possibility of playing alongside his son Bronny in future seasons, a milestone that is being closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
How much is LeBron James' contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth?
LeBron James' current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, signed in July 2024, is worth $101.35 million for two years. The contract includes a player option for the 2025-2026 season and a no-trade clause. Although James was eligible for a maximum contract worth $104 million, he opted for a slightly lower amount to give the Lakers flexibility under the NBA salary cap. His decision also helps the team avoid the second tier of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, which would have carried stiffer financial penalties.
James' new contract structure ensures his earning potential remains high while also giving him the flexibility to become a free agent in 2025. The deal includes a 15% trade bonus, which further secures his position. If James fulfills his full two-year contract, he is expected to earn approximately $50 million during the 2024-25 season, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid players in NBA history.
Will LeBron James leave the Lakers or retire after his contract expires?
It is unlikely that LeBron James will leave the Los Angeles Lakers after his contract expires. Despite declining his $51.4 million option for the 2024-25 season, James quickly re-signed with the team on new terms. His commitment to the Lakers remains strong and he shows no interest in leaving Los Angeles, where he continues to develop. James talked about possession “there's a lot left in the tank,“, making it clear that his focus is on continuing his career rather than retiring soon.
As shown in Start 5James' longevity is remarkable, as he played on the NBA All-Star team for 20 consecutive seasons and became the league's all-time leading scorer. As he enters his 22nd NBA season, his son Bronny James will play alongside him, making history as the first father-son duo to share an NBA stage. Thanks to his love for the game and his historic achievements, James appears poised to re-sign with the Lakers next year, further delaying his potential retirement.
