Lebron James Extension Means Lakers Must Do Whatever It Takes To Win Now

The Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal keeps James under contract with Los Angeles through at least the 2023-24 season. James has a player option for 2024-25, according to ESPN. His extension is worth $111 million over two years based on salary cap increases, per Harania. James, who will turn 38 on Dec. 30, was limited to a two-year extension due to the CBA’s “over 38” rule. He cannot be traded next season with the increase in the second year of the extension exceeding five percent. The extension makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in guaranteed money. Congrats to @KingJames on his 2 year, $97.1 million extension and becoming the highest paid player in NBA history! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/FAF3JaA0zs — Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) August 17, 2022 James’ extension came up during the Lakers’ offseason and had a chance to run through June 30, 2023 — the deadline for him and the Lakers to agree to terms before James becomes a free agent next July. James sparked speculation during the 2022 All-Star break when he told The Athletic that “the door is not closed” on the possibility of him returning to Cleveland to play for his hometown Cavaliers. Wednesday’s extension closes the door on that option — at least until 2024, the same summer James’ son, Brony, is eligible for the NBA draft. James told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with Broney. Those around the team were confident that James was likely to sign an extension, considering how much he enjoyed playing for the Lakers and living in Los Angeles. The main complication in James’ decision was that he was privately adamant that the Lakers still needed to improve the current roster and trade superstar point guard Kyrie Irving, league sources told The Athletic. There was a belief among some that James might avoid signing the extension quickly as a leverage play. James could have twisted the Lakers’ proverbial arm by applying pressure to make a trade, similar to how it has worked in the past. Instead, he’s committed for at least the next two seasons, regardless of whether the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook or how they fare this season. Had James not signed an extension, carrying it through training camp and throughout the season, there would have been rampant speculation all season about his future. It would be one of the first questions James was asked during media day and a frequent question from reporters on the road. James signing the extension now — nearly six weeks before training camp — puts history to rest and gives the Lakers a clearer vision of their future. James and Anthony Davis are now on the same schedule, with both superstars having the option to negotiate new deals or test free agency in 2024. James’ commitment also puts the Lakers in a position to rebuild a championship-caliber roster. As currently constructed, the Lakers are not championship contenders. The Lakers have at least two more seasons with the league’s No. 1 pick in James. There’s no telling what the future holds — James continues to defy father time — but the team’s championship chances are tied directly to his peak performance, which will only last so long. In the vacuum, the Lakers’ best chance to win another title with James might be to go all in next season rather than wait until 2023-24 or 2024-25 to make a splashy addition, when the surrounding pieces they could be better but James will be pushing 40 and not as dominant or athletic. As long as James and Davis are both healthy and productive at all levels of the NBA — their health has been an issue the past two seasons — the Lakers have the foundation of a championship team. Injuries derailed the 2020-21 season. Last season’s supporting cast clearly wasn’t good enough and provided a template for how not to build a team around James and Davis. This season’s secondary is noticeably better, but there are still big holes in the rotation — specifically 3-point shooting and perimeter defense — and the obvious limitations that come with Westbrook likely playing such a prominent role on the team. James certainly had reasons to sign the extension early. Expansion locks in financial security. He could have suffered a major injury — he’s already suffered notable injuries in three of his four seasons in Los Angeles — potentially putting his future in jeopardy. But realistically, he was always going to get that money — either from the Lakers or elsewhere in the free agent market. Which highlights the last big decision the Lakers have to make between now and February 2023: Westbrook’s future and the resulting impact on their title window. The Lakers need to figure out: Are they better off trading Westbrook and increasing their chances of winning in 2022-23, even at the expense of their long-term future? Or should they sit and keep their cap flexibility through the summer of 2023 and possibly 2024 — risking James’ possible decline? Given James’ preference to trade Irving and his displeasure with the Lakers’ inaction at the 2022 deadline, the tea leaves suggest the Lakers have signaled to James that they will be more aggressive in their pursuit of improving their title chances this offseason. the season, Of course, it should come in the form of a Westbrook negotiation. Any moves the Lakers make or don’t make in the coming days, weeks and/or months will likely have been discussed and analyzed in detail with James. With Westbrook’s salary coming off the books next summer, the Lakers could have more than $34 million in cap space in 2023, depending on what Talen Horton-Tucker does with the 2023-24 player option and how they handle the rest of their roster. That’s not enough to add a third max free agent, but it’s enough to add a better third piece or, if split into multiple players, better depth for a thin roster. They are projected to reach maximum capacity in 2024 – the year James turns 40. James ultimately made the decision that was best for both him and the Lakers. The team has its two best players locked up for at least two more seasons, extending a championship run that was beginning to look like it was winding down. But the work is not over. James’ extension was only one half of the Lakers’ two biggest issues this offseason. Another franchise-altering decision awaits. (Top Photo: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

title: “Lebron James Extension Means Lakers Must Do Whatever It Takes To Win Now Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-01” author: “Larry Simonelli”

The Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal keeps James under contract with Los Angeles through at least the 2023-24 season. James has a player option for 2024-25, according to ESPN. His extension is worth $111 million over two years based on salary cap increases, per Harania. James, who will turn 38 on Dec. 30, was limited to a two-year extension due to the CBA’s “over 38” rule. He cannot be traded next season with the increase in the second year of the extension exceeding five percent. The extension makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in guaranteed money. Congrats to @KingJames on his 2 year, $97.1 million extension and becoming the highest paid player in NBA history! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/FAF3JaA0zs — Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) August 17, 2022 James’ extension came up during the Lakers’ offseason and had a chance to run through June 30, 2023 — the deadline for him and the Lakers to agree to terms before James becomes a free agent next July. James sparked speculation during the 2022 All-Star break when he told The Athletic that “the door is not closed” on the possibility of him returning to Cleveland to play for his hometown Cavaliers. Wednesday’s extension closes the door on that option — at least until 2024, the same summer James’ son, Brony, is eligible for the NBA draft. James told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with Broney. Those around the team were confident that James was likely to sign an extension, considering how much he enjoyed playing for the Lakers and living in Los Angeles. The main complication in James’ decision was that he was privately adamant that the Lakers still needed to improve the current roster and trade superstar point guard Kyrie Irving, league sources told The Athletic. There was a belief among some that James might avoid signing the extension quickly as a leverage play. James could have twisted the Lakers’ proverbial arm by applying pressure to make a trade, similar to how it has worked in the past. Instead, he’s committed for at least the next two seasons, regardless of whether the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook or how they fare this season. Had James not signed an extension, carrying it through training camp and throughout the season, there would have been rampant speculation all season about his future. It would be one of the first questions James was asked during media day and a frequent question from reporters on the road. James signing the extension now — nearly six weeks before training camp — puts history to rest and gives the Lakers a clearer vision of their future. James and Anthony Davis are now on the same schedule, with both superstars having the option to negotiate new deals or test free agency in 2024. James’ commitment also puts the Lakers in a position to rebuild a championship-caliber roster. As currently constructed, the Lakers are not championship contenders. The Lakers have at least two more seasons with the league’s No. 1 pick in James. There’s no telling what the future holds — James continues to defy father time — but the team’s championship chances are tied directly to his peak performance, which will only last so long. In the vacuum, the Lakers’ best chance to win another title with James might be to go all in next season rather than wait until 2023-24 or 2024-25 to make a splashy addition, when the surrounding pieces they could be better but James will be pushing 40 and not as dominant or athletic. As long as James and Davis are both healthy and productive at all levels of the NBA — their health has been an issue the past two seasons — the Lakers have the foundation of a championship team. Injuries derailed the 2020-21 season. Last season’s supporting cast clearly wasn’t good enough and provided a template for how not to build a team around James and Davis. This season’s secondary is noticeably better, but there are still big holes in the rotation — specifically 3-point shooting and perimeter defense — and the obvious limitations that come with Westbrook likely playing such a prominent role on the team. James certainly had reasons to sign the extension early. Expansion locks in financial security. He could have suffered a major injury — he’s already suffered notable injuries in three of his four seasons in Los Angeles — potentially putting his future in jeopardy. But realistically, he was always going to get that money — either from the Lakers or elsewhere in the free agent market. Which highlights the last big decision the Lakers have to make between now and February 2023: Westbrook’s future and the resulting impact on their title window. The Lakers need to figure out: Are they better off trading Westbrook and increasing their chances of winning in 2022-23, even at the expense of their long-term future? Or should they sit and keep their cap flexibility through the summer of 2023 and possibly 2024 — risking James’ possible decline? Given James’ preference to trade Irving and his displeasure with the Lakers’ inaction at the 2022 deadline, the tea leaves suggest the Lakers have signaled to James that they will be more aggressive in their pursuit of improving their title chances this offseason. the season, Of course, it should come in the form of a Westbrook negotiation. Any moves the Lakers make or don’t make in the coming days, weeks and/or months will likely have been discussed and analyzed in detail with James. With Westbrook’s salary coming off the books next summer, the Lakers could have more than $34 million in cap space in 2023, depending on what Talen Horton-Tucker does with the 2023-24 player option and how they handle the rest of their roster. That’s not enough to add a third max free agent, but it’s enough to add a better third piece or, if split into multiple players, better depth for a thin roster. They are projected to reach maximum capacity in 2024 – the year James turns 40. James ultimately made the decision that was best for both him and the Lakers. The team has its two best players locked up for at least two more seasons, extending a championship run that was beginning to look like it was winding down. But the work is not over. James’ extension was only one half of the Lakers’ two biggest issues this offseason. Another franchise-altering decision awaits. (Top Photo: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

title: “Lebron James Extension Means Lakers Must Do Whatever It Takes To Win Now Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-07” author: “Arthur Mast”

The Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal keeps James under contract with Los Angeles through at least the 2023-24 season. James has a player option for 2024-25, according to ESPN. His extension is worth $111 million over two years based on salary cap increases, per Harania. James, who will turn 38 on Dec. 30, was limited to a two-year extension due to the CBA’s “over 38” rule. He cannot be traded next season with the increase in the second year of the extension exceeding five percent. The extension makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in guaranteed money. Congrats to @KingJames on his 2 year, $97.1 million extension and becoming the highest paid player in NBA history! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/FAF3JaA0zs — Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) August 17, 2022 James’ extension came up during the Lakers’ offseason and had a chance to run through June 30, 2023 — the deadline for him and the Lakers to agree to terms before James becomes a free agent next July. James sparked speculation during the 2022 All-Star break when he told The Athletic that “the door is not closed” on the possibility of him returning to Cleveland to play for his hometown Cavaliers. Wednesday’s extension closes the door on that option — at least until 2024, the same summer James’ son, Brony, is eligible for the NBA draft. James told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with Broney. Those around the team were confident that James was likely to sign an extension, considering how much he enjoyed playing for the Lakers and living in Los Angeles. The main complication in James’ decision was that he was privately adamant that the Lakers still needed to improve the current roster and trade superstar point guard Kyrie Irving, league sources told The Athletic. There was a belief among some that James might avoid signing the extension quickly as a leverage play. James could have twisted the Lakers’ proverbial arm by applying pressure to make a trade, similar to how it has worked in the past. Instead, he’s committed for at least the next two seasons, regardless of whether the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook or how they fare this season. Had James not signed an extension, carrying it through training camp and throughout the season, there would have been rampant speculation all season about his future. It would be one of the first questions James was asked during media day and a frequent question from reporters on the road. James signing the extension now — nearly six weeks before training camp — puts history to rest and gives the Lakers a clearer vision of their future. James and Anthony Davis are now on the same schedule, with both superstars having the option to negotiate new deals or test free agency in 2024. James’ commitment also puts the Lakers in a position to rebuild a championship-caliber roster. As currently constructed, the Lakers are not championship contenders. The Lakers have at least two more seasons with the league’s No. 1 pick in James. There’s no telling what the future holds — James continues to defy father time — but the team’s championship chances are tied directly to his peak performance, which will only last so long. In the vacuum, the Lakers’ best chance to win another title with James might be to go all in next season rather than wait until 2023-24 or 2024-25 to make a splashy addition, when the surrounding pieces they could be better but James will be pushing 40 and not as dominant or athletic. As long as James and Davis are both healthy and productive at all levels of the NBA — their health has been an issue the past two seasons — the Lakers have the foundation of a championship team. Injuries derailed the 2020-21 season. Last season’s supporting cast clearly wasn’t good enough and provided a template for how not to build a team around James and Davis. This season’s secondary is noticeably better, but there are still big holes in the rotation — specifically 3-point shooting and perimeter defense — and the obvious limitations that come with Westbrook likely playing such a prominent role on the team. James certainly had reasons to sign the extension early. Expansion locks in financial security. He could have suffered a major injury — he’s already suffered notable injuries in three of his four seasons in Los Angeles — potentially putting his future in jeopardy. But realistically, he was always going to get that money — either from the Lakers or elsewhere in the free agent market. Which highlights the last big decision the Lakers have to make between now and February 2023: Westbrook’s future and the resulting impact on their title window. The Lakers need to figure out: Are they better off trading Westbrook and increasing their chances of winning in 2022-23, even at the expense of their long-term future? Or should they sit and keep their cap flexibility through the summer of 2023 and possibly 2024 — risking James’ possible decline? Given James’ preference to trade Irving and his displeasure with the Lakers’ inaction at the 2022 deadline, the tea leaves suggest the Lakers have signaled to James that they will be more aggressive in their pursuit of improving their title chances this offseason. the season, Of course, it should come in the form of a Westbrook negotiation. Any moves the Lakers make or don’t make in the coming days, weeks and/or months will likely have been discussed and analyzed in detail with James. With Westbrook’s salary coming off the books next summer, the Lakers could have more than $34 million in cap space in 2023, depending on what Talen Horton-Tucker does with the 2023-24 player option and how they handle the rest of their roster. That’s not enough to add a third max free agent, but it’s enough to add a better third piece or, if split into multiple players, better depth for a thin roster. They are projected to reach maximum capacity in 2024 – the year James turns 40. James ultimately made the decision that was best for both him and the Lakers. The team has its two best players locked up for at least two more seasons, extending a championship run that was beginning to look like it was winding down. But the work is not over. James’ extension was only one half of the Lakers’ two biggest issues this offseason. Another franchise-altering decision awaits. (Top Photo: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

title: “Lebron James Extension Means Lakers Must Do Whatever It Takes To Win Now Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-23” author: “Anna Manley”

The Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal keeps James under contract with Los Angeles through at least the 2023-24 season. James has a player option for 2024-25, according to ESPN. His extension is worth $111 million over two years based on salary cap increases, per Harania. James, who will turn 38 on Dec. 30, was limited to a two-year extension due to the CBA’s “over 38” rule. He cannot be traded next season with the increase in the second year of the extension exceeding five percent. The extension makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in guaranteed money. Congrats to @KingJames on his 2 year, $97.1 million extension and becoming the highest paid player in NBA history! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/FAF3JaA0zs — Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) August 17, 2022 James’ extension came up during the Lakers’ offseason and had a chance to run through June 30, 2023 — the deadline for him and the Lakers to agree to terms before James becomes a free agent next July. James sparked speculation during the 2022 All-Star break when he told The Athletic that “the door is not closed” on the possibility of him returning to Cleveland to play for his hometown Cavaliers. Wednesday’s extension closes the door on that option — at least until 2024, the same summer James’ son, Brony, is eligible for the NBA draft. James told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with Broney. Those around the team were confident that James was likely to sign an extension, considering how much he enjoyed playing for the Lakers and living in Los Angeles. The main complication in James’ decision was that he was privately adamant that the Lakers still needed to improve the current roster and trade superstar point guard Kyrie Irving, league sources told The Athletic. There was a belief among some that James might avoid signing the extension quickly as a leverage play. James could have twisted the Lakers’ proverbial arm by applying pressure to make a trade, similar to how it has worked in the past. Instead, he’s committed for at least the next two seasons, regardless of whether the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook or how they fare this season. Had James not signed an extension, carrying it through training camp and throughout the season, there would have been rampant speculation all season about his future. It would be one of the first questions James was asked during media day and a frequent question from reporters on the road. James signing the extension now — nearly six weeks before training camp — puts history to rest and gives the Lakers a clearer vision of their future. James and Anthony Davis are now on the same schedule, with both superstars having the option to negotiate new deals or test free agency in 2024. James’ commitment also puts the Lakers in a position to rebuild a championship-caliber roster. As currently constructed, the Lakers are not championship contenders. The Lakers have at least two more seasons with the league’s No. 1 pick in James. There’s no telling what the future holds — James continues to defy father time — but the team’s championship chances are tied directly to his peak performance, which will only last so long. In the vacuum, the Lakers’ best chance to win another title with James might be to go all in next season rather than wait until 2023-24 or 2024-25 to make a splashy addition, when the surrounding pieces they could be better but James will be pushing 40 and not as dominant or athletic. As long as James and Davis are both healthy and productive at all levels of the NBA — their health has been an issue the past two seasons — the Lakers have the foundation of a championship team. Injuries derailed the 2020-21 season. Last season’s supporting cast clearly wasn’t good enough and provided a template for how not to build a team around James and Davis. This season’s secondary is noticeably better, but there are still big holes in the rotation — specifically 3-point shooting and perimeter defense — and the obvious limitations that come with Westbrook likely playing such a prominent role on the team. James certainly had reasons to sign the extension early. Expansion locks in financial security. He could have suffered a major injury — he’s already suffered notable injuries in three of his four seasons in Los Angeles — potentially putting his future in jeopardy. But realistically, he was always going to get that money — either from the Lakers or elsewhere in the free agent market. Which highlights the last big decision the Lakers have to make between now and February 2023: Westbrook’s future and the resulting impact on their title window. The Lakers need to figure out: Are they better off trading Westbrook and increasing their chances of winning in 2022-23, even at the expense of their long-term future? Or should they sit and keep their cap flexibility through the summer of 2023 and possibly 2024 — risking James’ possible decline? Given James’ preference to trade Irving and his displeasure with the Lakers’ inaction at the 2022 deadline, the tea leaves suggest the Lakers have signaled to James that they will be more aggressive in their pursuit of improving their title chances this offseason. the season, Of course, it should come in the form of a Westbrook negotiation. Any moves the Lakers make or don’t make in the coming days, weeks and/or months will likely have been discussed and analyzed in detail with James. With Westbrook’s salary coming off the books next summer, the Lakers could have more than $34 million in cap space in 2023, depending on what Talen Horton-Tucker does with the 2023-24 player option and how they handle the rest of their roster. That’s not enough to add a third max free agent, but it’s enough to add a better third piece or, if split into multiple players, better depth for a thin roster. They are projected to reach maximum capacity in 2024 – the year James turns 40. James ultimately made the decision that was best for both him and the Lakers. The team has its two best players locked up for at least two more seasons, extending a championship run that was beginning to look like it was winding down. But the work is not over. James’ extension was only one half of the Lakers’ two biggest issues this offseason. Another franchise-altering decision awaits. (Top Photo: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

title: “Lebron James Extension Means Lakers Must Do Whatever It Takes To Win Now Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-11” author: “David Martinez”

The Lakers and LeBron James have agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract extension, sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal keeps James under contract with Los Angeles through at least the 2023-24 season. James has a player option for 2024-25, according to ESPN. His extension is worth $111 million over two years based on salary cap increases, per Harania. James, who will turn 38 on Dec. 30, was limited to a two-year extension due to the CBA’s “over 38” rule. He cannot be traded next season with the increase in the second year of the extension exceeding five percent. The extension makes James the highest-paid player in NBA history with $532 million in guaranteed money. Congrats to @KingJames on his 2 year, $97.1 million extension and becoming the highest paid player in NBA history! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/FAF3JaA0zs — Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) August 17, 2022 James’ extension came up during the Lakers’ offseason and had a chance to run through June 30, 2023 — the deadline for him and the Lakers to agree to terms before James becomes a free agent next July. James sparked speculation during the 2022 All-Star break when he told The Athletic that “the door is not closed” on the possibility of him returning to Cleveland to play for his hometown Cavaliers. Wednesday’s extension closes the door on that option — at least until 2024, the same summer James’ son, Brony, is eligible for the NBA draft. James told The Athletic earlier this year that he plans to play the final season of his NBA career with Broney. Those around the team were confident that James was likely to sign an extension, considering how much he enjoyed playing for the Lakers and living in Los Angeles. The main complication in James’ decision was that he was privately adamant that the Lakers still needed to improve the current roster and trade superstar point guard Kyrie Irving, league sources told The Athletic. There was a belief among some that James might avoid signing the extension quickly as a leverage play. James could have twisted the Lakers’ proverbial arm by applying pressure to make a trade, similar to how it has worked in the past. Instead, he’s committed for at least the next two seasons, regardless of whether the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook or how they fare this season. Had James not signed an extension, carrying it through training camp and throughout the season, there would have been rampant speculation all season about his future. It would be one of the first questions James was asked during media day and a frequent question from reporters on the road. James signing the extension now — nearly six weeks before training camp — puts history to rest and gives the Lakers a clearer vision of their future. James and Anthony Davis are now on the same schedule, with both superstars having the option to negotiate new deals or test free agency in 2024. James’ commitment also puts the Lakers in a position to rebuild a championship-caliber roster. As currently constructed, the Lakers are not championship contenders. The Lakers have at least two more seasons with the league’s No. 1 pick in James. There’s no telling what the future holds — James continues to defy father time — but the team’s championship chances are tied directly to his peak performance, which will only last so long. In the vacuum, the Lakers’ best chance to win another title with James might be to go all in next season rather than wait until 2023-24 or 2024-25 to make a splashy addition, when the surrounding pieces they could be better but James will be pushing 40 and not as dominant or athletic. As long as James and Davis are both healthy and productive at all levels of the NBA — their health has been an issue the past two seasons — the Lakers have the foundation of a championship team. Injuries derailed the 2020-21 season. Last season’s supporting cast clearly wasn’t good enough and provided a template for how not to build a team around James and Davis. This season’s secondary is noticeably better, but there are still big holes in the rotation — specifically 3-point shooting and perimeter defense — and the obvious limitations that come with Westbrook likely playing such a prominent role on the team. James certainly had reasons to sign the extension early. Expansion locks in financial security. He could have suffered a major injury — he’s already suffered notable injuries in three of his four seasons in Los Angeles — potentially putting his future in jeopardy. But realistically, he was always going to get that money — either from the Lakers or elsewhere in the free agent market. Which highlights the last big decision the Lakers have to make between now and February 2023: Westbrook’s future and the resulting impact on their title window. The Lakers need to figure out: Are they better off trading Westbrook and increasing their chances of winning in 2022-23, even at the expense of their long-term future? Or should they sit and keep their cap flexibility through the summer of 2023 and possibly 2024 — risking James’ possible decline? Given James’ preference to trade Irving and his displeasure with the Lakers’ inaction at the 2022 deadline, the tea leaves suggest the Lakers have signaled to James that they will be more aggressive in their pursuit of improving their title chances this offseason. the season, Of course, it should come in the form of a Westbrook negotiation. Any moves the Lakers make or don’t make in the coming days, weeks and/or months will likely have been discussed and analyzed in detail with James. With Westbrook’s salary coming off the books next summer, the Lakers could have more than $34 million in cap space in 2023, depending on what Talen Horton-Tucker does with the 2023-24 player option and how they handle the rest of their roster. That’s not enough to add a third max free agent, but it’s enough to add a better third piece or, if split into multiple players, better depth for a thin roster. They are projected to reach maximum capacity in 2024 – the year James turns 40. James ultimately made the decision that was best for both him and the Lakers. The team has its two best players locked up for at least two more seasons, extending a championship run that was beginning to look like it was winding down. But the work is not over. James’ extension was only one half of the Lakers’ two biggest issues this offseason. Another franchise-altering decision awaits. (Top Photo: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)