The decision by LeBron James to sign a two-year, $85 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers had nothing to do with Anthony Davis, sources tell Brian Windhorst of ESPN.

Sources tell Windhorst the decision from James is more about him "admitting some mortality." James has secured every dollar possible from the Lakers. Windhorst later admitted he spoke with Rich Paul for the story. 

James and Davis could have taken short-term contracts to maximize the Lakers' potential cap space for 2021. James believes the Lakers will continue to spend and draw talent regardless. James was not interested in considering taking less money to sign another superstar using cap space.

James signed a series of one-year deals with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon his return in 2014.