Why is Lakers owner Jeanie Buss defending LeBron James’ salary?
The future NBA Hall of Famer and three-time Olympic gold medal winner remains the Lakers’ highest-paid player at $104 million over two seasons.
Before leaving for the 2024 Paris Olympics, LeBron James agreed with the Lakers on a two-year contract extension worth $104 million. This will likely be the future NBA Hall of Famer’s last contract before he retires in the Purple and Gold.
Players listed at every position in NBA History: (PG, SG, SF, PF, C)
— BronMuse (@BronMuse) August 27, 2024
— Lebron James
End of the list. pic.twitter.com/gD54Ne1Md0
LeBron James remains the highest-paid player on the Los Angeles Lakers, and team owner Jeanie Buss believes his contract remains a ‘bargain’ given his impact since arriving in 2018. The 39-year-old remains one of the league’s best players and led the team to a 2019/20 season championship title.
“I think it’s so competitive that it really has to be something that he wants to do,” Buss said of James playing in the Olympics. “And we always support our players in the decisions that they make as far as whether or not they play for their national team. And it was a big deal for LeBron. And yes, he’s our highest-paid player, but it’s still a bargain for me,” she said during an interview with AM570LASports.
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:
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) August 22, 2024
“Yes he’s our highest paid player, but he’s still a bargain to me.” Via @PetrosAndMoney of @AM570LASports pic.twitter.com/W73nPhnyJi
LeBron James has a good relationship with the Lakers
The bond between LeBron James and Jeanie Buss is solid.
They have been spotted sharing the front-row experience at Lakers games, demonstrating their mutual support.
Even in LeBron’s absence from the team, Jeanie Buss shows her dedication by being courtside.
It’s obvious that the team owner positively values LeBron James’ role in reviving the team’s competitiveness after Kobe Bryant’s departure in 2016.