LeBron James: The billions Los Angeles Lakers have reinvested in 39-year-old NBA legend

LeBron James: The billions Los Angeles Lakers have reinvested in 39-year-old NBA legend

Festus Chuma 15:10 - 07.07.2024

Billions invested by the Los Angeles Lakers to re-sign LeBron James highlight their commitment to building another championship-caliber team.

Los Angeles Lakers have announced that they have re-signed forward LeBron James to a lucrative two-year deal reported to be worth $101.355 million (Ksh 12.8 billion).

James' new contract, which was confirmed by NBA insider Shams Charania, positions the Lakers just below the second apron providing the team with much-needed flexibility in their pursuit of another title.

The second apron, approximately $11 million (Ksh1.3 billion) above the first apron and $18 million (Ksh 2.2billion) over the luxury tax ceiling imposes strict restrictions on teams that exceed it as per Bleacher Report.

Staying under this threshold allows the Lakers to avoid severe limitations in free agency and trades, enabling them to maintain a competitive edge.

Teams that surpass the projected $178.7 million (Ksh 22.6billion) first apron face significant restrictions, including the inability to use the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, add a player via sign-and-trade, or acquire more salary in trades than they send out.

By remaining below this limit, the Lakers can strategically maneuver to strengthen their roster.

LeBron James, who will enter his 22nd NBA season in 2024-25, continues to defy the limits of age and athleticism.

At 39, he is set to embark on his seventh season with the Lakers, matching the longest consecutive stretch with any franchise in his illustrious career, having previously played seven consecutive seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003-2010.

Over his career, James has played in 1,492 regular season games (1,490 starts), boasting remarkable averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 37.9 minutes.

His accolades are unmatched, with top 10 rankings in field goals made (second), free throws made (third), assists (fourth), steals (eighth), and 3-pointers made (eighth).

"No one plays the game like LeBron James, and his commitment to continuous performance and long-term sustained excellence is unmatched.

"LeBron is one of the most dynamic and competitive players to ever take the NBA court, and we're grateful to have his leadership as he returns for a seventh season with the Lakers,"said Los Angeles Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka as per Lakers portal.

In 71 games, James averaged 25.7 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the floor and a career-best 41.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Additionally, he contributed 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 35.3 minutes.

His consistency has set records, including 20 consecutive seasons averaging 25+ points and an NBA record double-digit scoring streak spanning 1,222 games.

In the 2023-24 season, James joined elite company by averaging 25+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 8+ assists, alongside Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.

His accomplishments were further highlighted when he became the first player to make 20 All-Star teams surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and receiving his NBA-record 20th consecutive All-NBA honor.

Meanwhile, Muggsy Bogues net worth is a testament to his remarkable journey from the streets of Baltimore to the heights of NBA stardom.

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