LeBron James is already one of the NBA’s highest-paid players, but the Lakers would pay him even more if they could. In an appearance on the Petros and Money Show, the Lakers governor opened up about James’ value and went so far as to say he was a bargain despite his high paying salary.
“LeBron’s so competitive it really has to be something he wants to do,” said Jeanie on LeBron’s participation in the 2024 Olympics. “We always support our players and the decisions that they make in regard to playing for their national team or not. It was something that was important to LeBron and yes he’s our highest-paid player, but he’s still a bargain to me.”
Jeanie Buss suggests she would pay Lebron more if not for the salary cap when asked about the risk/mileage of Lebron playing in the Olympics as the Lakers biggest asset:
“Yes he’s our highest paid player, but he’s still a bargain to me.” Via @PetrosAndMoney of @AM570LASports pic.twitter.com/W73nPhnyJi
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) August 22, 2024
As a franchise defined by their star power, the Lakers have been in the business of catering to their best players for decades now. It started with Magic Johnson and Kareem in the 80s then moved to Kobe and Shaq in the 2000s, and now it’s LeBron James who getting the MVP treatment from the Purple and Gold.
King James, 39, began his Lakers tenure back in 2018 after four years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His original contract was for four years and $154 million, which he lived up to right away. In his first season with the franchise, LeBron proved that he’s still among the best in the league with averages of 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
LeBron has been leading the team ever since, and he even helped them capture their 17th championship in 2020 alongside Anthony Davis and former head coach Frank Vogel. Even now, six years after he first signed, LeBron remains the Lakers’ best player and he is the guy who puts them in play for the title year after year.
So when it was time to offer him a new contract this summer, the Lakers did not hesitate to give him as much as they could. He agreed to a two-year, $104 million deal back in July and it will put his total career earnings at around $500 million.
For Jeanie and other Lakers executives, it’s worth all that and more to ensure LeBron’s loyalty. After Kobe Bryant retired in 2016, the franchise endured its worst stretch ever and had to navigate through dysfunction within their organization. They weren’t close to being competitive and it wasn’t until LeBron’s arrival years later that things finally started to look up for the Purple and Gold.
When LeBron eventually leaves, the Lakers might fall back into a similar position. With limited draft picks and a mostly veteran roster, the Lakers are not a team built for the future and things will get worse before they can get better.
As long as LeBron is in uniform, the Lakers can stave off their descent into irrelevancy. As long as LeBron and Anthony Davis are healthy and active, the Lakers will always have a chance for the title and the Lakers will pay whatever it takes to keep them together for as long as possible.
Fortunately, the King managed to avoid any injuries in the Olympics this summer and he should be fresh and ready to go for the 2024-25 season that starts in October. Buss is confident that it will be enough for them to make some serious noise in the Western Conference.
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