The Los Angeles Lakers announced today that they had re-signed forward LeBron James. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer and the first to reach 40,000 career points, will begin his 22nd NBA season in 2024–25. The 2017 season will be the 39-year-old’s eighth with the Lakers, matching his longest streak with any organization in his career (Cleveland, 2003–10).
Overall, James has appeared in 1,492 regular-season games (1,490 starts), averaging 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per 37.9 minutes. The four-time league MVP is now ranked in the top ten all-time in field goals (second), free throws (third), assists (fourth), steals (eighth), and 3-pointers made.
“No one plays the game like LeBron James, and his dedication to continuous performance and long-term sustained excellence is unrivaled,” Los Angeles Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka explained. “LeBron is one of the most energetic and competitive players in NBA history, and we are appreciative of his leadership as he returns for his eighth season with the Lakers.
Along with team captain Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and new Lakers head coach JJ Redick, they will lead a championship-caliber squad that will play with dignity every time they are on the court. LeBron James, now in his 22nd season of NBA basketball, continues to demonstrate that no challenge is too great and no goal is out of reach.
We’re grateful that LeBron James’ history-making tale will continue to be published in front of Lakers fans throughout the world.”
In 2023–24, James participated in 71 games (all starts), averaging 25.7 points on 54.0 percent shooting from the floor and a career-high 41.0 percent from outside the arc, 7.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35.3 minutes. He extended his league record to 20 consecutive seasons, averaging 25 or more points, and his NBA record double-digit scoring run reached 1,222 games.
Last season, James, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic were the only NBA players to average 25+ points, 7+ rebounds, and 8+ assists. In February, James became the first player to appear on 20 All-Star teams, surpassing fellow Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
At the end of 2023–24, James got his NBA-record 20th straight All-NBA award, his sixth overall while playing for the Purple and Gold.
James, a four-time NBA champion, has played in 287 career NBA Playoff games, averaging 28.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 41.3 minutes. In 2020, he led the Lakers to their 17th NBA championship, averaging 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.2 steals while winning his fourth NBA Finals MVP title. His 8,162 career points from 17 postseason appearances are the most in NBA history.
The Akron, Ohio, native is presently ranked first in postseason field goals made, first in thefts, first in free throws made, second in assists, third in 3-pointers made, fourth in rebounds, and tenth in blocks.
James was chosen for the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. James, who won two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, will head Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
