https://theathletic.com/news/lebron-jame...P1yTblxj5O
If AD does the same, then Giannis is likely a no go to the Lakers. Probably can't get KL or PG either. (not that they would want PG)
Why now?
John Hollinger, senior NBA writer: Three reasons. First, James gets a raise for 2021-22 and 2022-23, because the eight percent raises on an extension are more than the recently updated projected salary cap increase. Second, James likely matches his contract term to that of Anthony Davis, whom most suspect will soon sign a three-year extension with an opt-out after the second year — when he's eligible for the 10-year veteran maximum of 35 percent of the cap. And finally, James can't sign for his max on anything longer: The over-38 Rule in the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement would take effect on a three-year extension.
What this means for the Lakers
Bill Oram, Lakers beat writer: James may well play beyond this contract extension and into his 40s, but this is him positioning himself to end his career with the Lakers. That is a tremendous amount of security for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office, and a far greater commitment than James gave either of his other teams over the past decade. There will be no year-after-year hand-wringing over what must be done to keep LeBron happy. This pact is an endorsement of what the Lakers have already done to make him content. He has a superstar teammate with whom he can play out the rest of his prime and they should be in position to chase several more championships.
How might this impact Davis?
Danny Leroux, salary cap analyst: The most fascinating part of James’ extension is that it lowers the possibility of the Lakers’ insanely ambitious best-case scenario in 2021: If both James and Davis became free agents next summer, one or both could have taken a pay cut to open up cap space for a new addition and thanks to full Bird rights, they only would have needed to sacrifice for one year before going back up to their maximum. Davis could still do that if he signs a one-season contract this time but James doing so is now off the table.
If AD does the same, then Giannis is likely a no go to the Lakers. Probably can't get KL or PG either. (not that they would want PG)
Why now?
John Hollinger, senior NBA writer: Three reasons. First, James gets a raise for 2021-22 and 2022-23, because the eight percent raises on an extension are more than the recently updated projected salary cap increase. Second, James likely matches his contract term to that of Anthony Davis, whom most suspect will soon sign a three-year extension with an opt-out after the second year — when he's eligible for the 10-year veteran maximum of 35 percent of the cap. And finally, James can't sign for his max on anything longer: The over-38 Rule in the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement would take effect on a three-year extension.
What this means for the Lakers
Bill Oram, Lakers beat writer: James may well play beyond this contract extension and into his 40s, but this is him positioning himself to end his career with the Lakers. That is a tremendous amount of security for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office, and a far greater commitment than James gave either of his other teams over the past decade. There will be no year-after-year hand-wringing over what must be done to keep LeBron happy. This pact is an endorsement of what the Lakers have already done to make him content. He has a superstar teammate with whom he can play out the rest of his prime and they should be in position to chase several more championships.
How might this impact Davis?
Danny Leroux, salary cap analyst: The most fascinating part of James’ extension is that it lowers the possibility of the Lakers’ insanely ambitious best-case scenario in 2021: If both James and Davis became free agents next summer, one or both could have taken a pay cut to open up cap space for a new addition and thanks to full Bird rights, they only would have needed to sacrifice for one year before going back up to their maximum. Davis could still do that if he signs a one-season contract this time but James doing so is now off the table.