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LeBron signs 2-year, $97.1M extension with Lakers

Andrew D. Bernstein / National Basketball Association / Getty

LeBron James won't be hitting the open market.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar agreed to a two-year, $97.1-million contract extension Wednesday, his agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

James' new deal includes a player option for the 2024-25 campaign as well as a 15% trade kicker, adds Wojnarowski.

Earlier in August, the Akron, Ohio, native became eligible for an extension with the Lakers and had until June 30, 2023, to sign the new deal.

Los Angeles inked James to a two-year extension in December 2020 worth $85.7 million. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

James turned heads during NBA All-Star Weekend in February when he said "the door's not closed" on a third stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, another homecoming appears to be ruled out for now, with the former No. 1 overall pick locked in with the Lakers until 2025.

James has averaged 27 points, 8.2 assists, eight boards, and 1.2 steals over four seasons with the purple and gold. The four-time Finals MVP posted a league-leading 10.2 assists during the 2019-20 campaign as he led the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship.

The 37-year-old remains a force entering his 20th season in the Association. James' 30.3 points per contest in 2021-22 was the second-highest output of his career.

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