It was reported earlier this week that LeBron James was returning to the Lakers on a 2-year, $104 million deal.

Those numbers were always subject to change if needed to help the Lakers avoid the second apron and it looks like James is doing just that.

Shams Charnia of The Athletic reported that his contract has now been adjusted to two years at $101.355 million.

@ShamsCharania: LeBron James' final two-year deal total, per sources: $101.355 million – almost $3M less than his $104M max, placing Lakers below second apron.

Charania also mentioned that the deal includes a player option and a no-trade clause; James' contract also includes a 15 percent trade kicker.

@ShamsCharania: While this discount may seem minimal, it gives the Lakers flexibility to make some deals moving forward.

Adding LeBron's contract puts the Lakers at just under the $188.9 million second apron.

If vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka can execute a deal that clears up some salaries, he can create two roster spots and have the flexibility to use the $5.2 million taxpayer midlevel exception.

That kind of money could bring a productive guard or a backup big on the roster to improve the Lakers in marginal but not insignificant ways.

James deserves some credit here for sacrificing and helping the Lakers.

At 39 years old, with the Lakers striking out on players like Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan, he could've easily taken the maximum and just played out his contract.

He's thinking of the team first and doing things to help the Lakers compete in the Western Conference. James' end has to be near and instead of squeezing every dollar out of the game, he's taking less to make room for more talent.

The question now becomes, will that sacrifice be worthwhile?

Can Pelinka and the Lakers front office use that flexibility and bring in an impactful player so LeBron and Anthony Davis can have one more legitimate shot at a title?

It's not an easy position to be in, but heavy lies the crown and with the King giving you some room to work with, it's time for Pelinka to get on the phone and cook.

By Edwin Garcia