LEBRON SIGNED WITH CAVS FOR 100M$

At the age of 31, LeBron James knows his prime years are right now. How many are left? Who knows? He is in superb physical condition and has been one of the most durable players in the NBA.

But this much is certain, he doesn't have seasons simply to waste on a team not prepared to contend.

If he wins another title or two in Cleveland, that should put him in the discussion for the Greatest of All Time. Right now, he should be considered among the top five ever to play the game.

He has made seven trips to The Finals with four different coaches -- Mike Brown, David Blatt, Tyronn Lue and Erik Spoelstra. That's a remarkable achievement.

Until he came back to the Cavs, he never was the highest-paid player on his team. He never was close to being the highest-paid player in the NBA.

He also saw Miami cut it's payroll by $2 million after the Heat won back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. He didn't believe Gilbert would do that with the Cavs, but he also wanted to keep his options open.

If LeBron had major doubts about the Cavs commitment to winning and their ability to support him with talent (front office, coaching, players) ... well ... he would have signed another 1-and-1 deal, even if it meant less money this season.

He'd want the option of leaving in the summer of 2017 in case things went poorly.

Instead, he is committed for at least two years because he is comfortable with the team.

ABOUT THE MONEY

The new 2-and-1 deal guarantees LeBron about $100 million over the next three years if he sustains a career ending injury.

Here's the breakdown:

$31 million in 2016-17.
$33 million in 2017-18.
$36 million in 2018-19 / player option.
Cleveland based agents Termini and Paul have been looking for ways to maximize LeBron's earnings while also creating some protection. Paul and Termini joined forces in 2013 under the Klutch umbrella.

When James joined the Cavs in the summer of 2014, the maximum contract he could have signed was $88 million for four years.

So far, he has made $43 million. In the next two seasons, it's $64 million. So instead of $88 million for four years, it's $107 million.

Good move by the agents and LeBron, and the Cavs know he really is worth all of that and more to the franchise.