Report: LeBron James signs below max deal to aid Lakers' cap

(Photo credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)

Lakers superstar LeBron James' new two-year contract is roughly $2.7 million below the $104 million maximum he was eligible for, a move made to aid Los Angeles' future roster construction, ESPN reported late Saturday night.

James, 39, signed a $101.35 million deal on Saturday that will include his 23rd season --the longest career in NBA history -- and helps the Lakers avoid sa