$700 million worth Jeanie Buss deems LeBron James’ $101.3 million deal a ‘bargain’
Jeanie Buss has hinted she would pay LeBron James more than the $101.3 million the LA Lakers committed to him if not for salary cap rules. James, who turns 40 in December, is the Lakers' highest-paid player this year, earning $48,728,845. The deal could be considered risky for the Lakers, considering his age and the busy summer he had representing Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
James played and started all the games and played the most minutes for the team. He also won the tournament MVP award for his exploits. However, LA Lakers President Buss – who has a net worth of $700 million as per Celebrity Net Worth – isn't seemingly too bothered about the four-time MVP's salary (via Petros and Money Show):
"We always support our players in the decisions that they make with regards to playing for their national team," Buss said on Thursday.
"It was something that was important to LeBron. And yes, he's our highest paid player but he's still a bargain to me," she added.
The Lakers don't seem to have a better option out there than to gamble on a near 40-year-old LeBron James. The free agent crop hasn't been as promising since 2019, leaving LA to have their best shot at a title with James. He has displayed exemplary resilience and tenacity despite his age, ensuring he's arguably been among the top 10 players in the league.
His off-court value also continues to benefit the LA Lakers from a marketing standpoint, proving that it is a bargain for Jeanie Buss to keep LeBron James on a deal under $50 million.
LeBron James' pay cut in vain as LA Lakers endure quiet offseason
LeBron James was willing enough to take a haircut on the maximum contract he could've signed for this summer. He initially was expected to bag a $104 million deal, but he took a 2.6 million pay cut. That gave LA the luxury of being under the second apron, maintaining flexibility to retool its roster.
However, the Lakers couldn't capitalize on it. After missing marquee signings like Klay Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas, the team couldn't secure impact players on veteran minimum deals.
GM Rob Pelinka's decision to offer player options to veteran minimum players like Cam Reddish, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes last year seemingly backfired after all three players opted into their second-year deals.
All three players had subpar to mediocre seasons, diminishing their value in the trade market and limiting the Lakers' options from a trade standpoint.
How do you think LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will fare next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.