Anthony Davis and LeBron James have put pen to paper on new deals with the Los Angeles Lakers to extend their stay with the reigning NBA champions.
Davis’ new deal is a five-year arrangement reportedly worth $190m, but the 27-year-old’s agent has told ESPN his client has the option to terminate it before the fifth year.
James, on the other hand, has signed a two-year extension reportedly worth $85m which will run until his 38th birthday.
The 35-year-old (36 later this month) will enter free agency the same year his son Bronny, 16, will be due for the NBA drafts, at the time of his graduation from high school.
At the end of the deal, the four-time NBA champion’s career earnings could reach a whopping $435m.
Last season, Davis and James were instrumental as the Lakers marched to their first NBA crown in 10 years.
James, who joined the Lakers from Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, was named the most valuable player (MVP) in the finals, becoming the only player to have won a ring with three different teams, following his time at Miami Heat where he won it twice and once with the Cavaliers.
“LeBron James is a transcendent basketball player and human being,” said Rob Pelinka, LA Lakers General Manager.
“This contract extension paves the way for LeBron to further solidify his legacy as an all-time Lakers great.”
Pelinka also described Davis’ deal as a “blessed moment for Lakers Nation.”
The Lakers will take on cross-city rivals Los Angeles Clippers in their season curtain-raiser on 22 December and James has expressed confidence in his team’s chance, saying they “absolutely can” make it back-to-back titles.
LeBron James will win the title with them this new season.
The way they call these monies like they’re counting pennies. Shudda ave been a sportsperson.