LeBron James signs $85m two-year extension with Los Angeles Lakers keeping star with NBA franchise until the 2022-23 season

Basketball superstar Lebron James looks set to be staying put on the west coast for the foreseeable future after the 35-year-old signed a two-year extension with reigning NBA champions the Los Angeles Lakers.

The small forward’s new deal at the Staples Center is worth a staggering $85million (£63.2m).

James, who turns 36 this month, had a stellar campaign with the Lakers in 2019-20 as he led them to their 17^th championship.

It was his fourth NBA title and his performances in Orlando bubble saw him crowned Finals MVP too – also for the fourth time in his career.

He averaged 27.6 points, 8.8 assists and 10.8 rebounds throughout the play-offs, forming a formidable partnership with All-Star forward Anthony Davis as they led them past the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals 4-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Speaking earlier this week on the ‘Road Trippin’ podcast, James was optimistic that the Lakers have what it takes to win it all again next season: ‘We can. I mean, it’s that simple, we absolutely can. First of all, it all starts with health. You have to have some luck. You have to have health. If we can stay healthy.’

The Lakers have added last season’s Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell to their ranks as well as runner-up Dennis Schroder.

Accompanying them are new recruits Marc Gasol, brother of Los Angeles Lakers legend Pau, and veteran shooting guard Wesley Matthews.

James admitted that the Laker bench had struggled at times last year, and what better way to cure that problem than by adding the two outstanding bench players in the NBA?

Having agreed the extension, James looks set to be wearing the purple of gold of LA until the summer of 2023, when he will be 38-years-old.

By Jack Brazil