While the Lakers have failed to improve their roster thus far in free agency, they did reach a deal with LeBron James that will see the future Hall of Famer spend at least one more season in Los Angeles.
James agreed to return to the Lakers on a two-year/$104 million deal. James will have a player option for the 2025-26 season and a no-trade clause, as well. Late last week, news spread that James would be willing to leave money on the table to help the front office bolster the roster around him. After the team missed on numerous targets including Klay Thompson, James signed a maximum contract.
On the same day LeBron re-upped with the Lakers, his son, Bronny, signed his rookie deal. Bronny agreed to a four-year/$7.9 million contract that includes a team option in 2027-28. During an introductory press conference Tuesday afternoon, coach JJ Redick spoke about Bronny.
“We view Bronny as [a] Case Study One because [of] his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing,” Redick said. “There’s a lot to like about his game, and as we build out our player development program holistically, he’s going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.”
The Lakers also made a few additions to their coaching staff Wednesday morning. Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan will be joining Redick’s staff as top assistants. Most recently, Brooks was an assistant for the Portland Trail Blazers. Prior to being in Portland, Brooks was the head coach of the Washington Wizards (2016-2021) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (2008-2015).
McMillan also brings a ton of experience to Redick’s bench. The veteran coach has won 760 games as a head coach — posting a .534 winning percentage — over 19 seasons. McMillan was fired as coach of the Atlanta Hawks in February. In addition to his tenure with the Hawks (2021-2023), McMillan led the Seattle SuperSonics (2000-2005), Portland Trail Blazers (2005-2012), and Indiana Pacers (2016-2020).
