On July 6, 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers made a momentous announcement, confirming the re-signing of forward LeBron James. While specific details of the deal were not disclosed, the news marks a significant continuation of James’ illustrious career with the Purple and Gold.
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, enters his 22nd NBA season in 2024-25. He holds the distinction of being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the first player to surpass 40,000 career points. His tenure with the Lakers, now extending into a seventh season, matches the longest consecutive stretch with any franchise in his career, paralleling his earlier years with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010.
Throughout his career, LeBron has consistently delivered outstanding performances on the court. He has appeared in 1,492 regular-season games, starting 1,490 of them, and has averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His impact transcends mere statistics; he ranks in the top 10 all-time in field goals made (second), free throws made (third), assists (fourth), steals (eighth), and 3-pointers made (eighth).
Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, emphasized LeBron’s unparalleled leadership and competitive spirit. Pelinka highlighted LeBron’s role alongside fellow team captain Anthony Davis and new head coach JJ Redick in leading a championship-caliber team that embodies pride and resilience on the court.
In the 2023-24 season, LeBron James continued to showcase his dominance, appearing in 71 games, all as a starter. He maintained impressive averages of 25.7 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the field, including a career-best 41.0 percent from beyond the arc, along with 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. LeBron extended his record streak of averaging 25+ points per game to 20 consecutive seasons, further solidifying his legacy as a consistent performer at the highest level.
LeBron’s impact transcends the regular season, as evidenced by his playoff prowess. He has appeared in 287 career NBA Playoff games, averaging 28.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in 41.3 minutes. Notably, he led the Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship in 2020 and was awarded his fourth NBA Finals MVP accolade. His 8,162 career postseason points are the most in NBA history, underlining his ability to deliver when it matters most.
Recognized as a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, LeBron James continues to accumulate accolades and rewrite the record books. His impact extends beyond the NBA hardwood, as he has also represented Team USA, winning two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012. LeBron is set to lead Team USA once again at the Paris 2024 Olympics, further cementing his legacy on the global stage.
LeBron James’ re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers signifies not just a contractual agreement, but a continuation of a historic journey. As he prepares for his 22nd NBA season, LeBron remains a beacon of excellence, leadership, and unparalleled skill. Lakers fans worldwide eagerly anticipate witnessing the ongoing chapters of LeBron’s storied career unfold, knowing they are witnessing greatness in real-time.
Stay tuned as LeBron James continues to etch his name in the annals of basketball history, wearing the iconic Purple and Gold of the Los Angeles Lakers.
