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It was expected entering the 2024 NBA Draft, but when it finally happened, it was still slightly unbelievable.
After taking USC guard Bronny James with the No. 55 overall pick, the Los Angeles Lakers were primed to make history by rostering the only father-son duo in league history. And on Wednesday, that history was made. Both James' officially signed contracts with the Lakers to guarantee their spots on the team next season.
LeBron signed a two-year $104 million extension to keep him on the team through the 2025-26 season — simultaneously making him the first player in NBA history to eclipse $500 million in career contract earnings — while Bronny agreed to a four-year deal paying him just under $8 million.
The older James' deal includes a no-trade clause and player option, while Bronny's is guaranteed through three years and comes with a team option in Year 4.
Free agent LeBron James has agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Deal includes player option and no trade clause. pic.twitter.com/gAEOmvfAzZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2024
As much talk as there was surrounding that inevitable outcome, Bronny made clear that not only was he aware of it, but he's going to have to learn to "get through it." And that they will.
Together.
"I've already seen it on social media and stuff," Bronny said. "Talking about that I might not deserve an opportunity. But I've been dealing with stuff like this my whole life, so it's nothing different."
"Rob has told me that there's a great development system here, so I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day," he added. "I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad. But that's always there to take part of."
MONDAY, JULY 1: KLAY THOMPSON MAKES FREE AGENCY DECISION
After the writing was seemingly on the wall that Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson would be leaving his former team for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, the 34-year-old gave the league a shocking twist.
Next season, Thompson will be a Dallas Maverick, joining Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving in pursuit of an NBA title on a three-year, $50 million deal as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
BREAKING: Free agent Klay Thompson plans to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50M deal with a player option, sources tell ESPN. Thompson ends his historic Warriors run as part of a multi-team sign-and-trade that’ll also send Josh Green to Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/4GJ5hR3H5o
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
Thompson and the Warriors parted ways after 13 seasons, officially ending a dynasty that Steve Kerr built around him and Steph Curry. Now, the sharpshooter will look for a fresh start — and some postseason redemption — in Dallas.
Reportedly, the Los Angeles Lakers offered Thompson a four-year, $80 million deal that superstar LeBron James was willing to take a pay cut for his team to afford, but ultimately, the higher promise of a title with the Mavericks and a difference in state taxes between California and Texas swayed him.
Now, he's set to help Dallas get back to the NBA Finals, where he can add a fifth ring to his resume.
The LA Clippers are certainly going to look a little bit different next season.
After being informed that the star they moved mountains for five years ago, Paul George, would not be returning to the team next season, they began to work on finding replacements. Since his decision, the Clippers inked James Harden to a new two-year, $70 million deal to keep him paired with Kawhi Leonard and added both Derrick Jones Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr.
Meanwhile in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers will also look different. They were the frontrunners to land George, and early Monday morning they made it official, landing the disgruntled Clippers star on a 4-year, $212 million deal to form a new Big 3 between him, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
BREAKING: Free agent F Paul George has agreed on a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. George committed in a meeting with Sixers officials and returns East to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of an NBA title. pic.twitter.com/pkCfGu3hyp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
Earlier this offseason, George addressed the state of the Spurs, stating that they were in need of a point guard who could "unlock" Victor Wembanyama's full potential. Sunday evening, San Antonio signed Chris Paul to a one-year, $11+ million deal, seemingly unlocking the potential George had mentioned.
Now, the small forward will look to do same with Embiid, hopefully providing the piece that Philadelphia has been looking for in order to move past the second round and into championship contention.
