The Lakers will open the NBA season against the Minnesota Timberwolves

Los Angeles Lakers controlling owner, Jeanie Buss, and forward LeBron...

When we talk about LeBron James, we talk about basketball. Since his leap from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School at 19 years old to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, LeBron has become the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, along with setting countless records over his 21-year career. In my opinion, the career of the “Chosen One” is the greatest in the history of basketball. The longevity, consistency, and the fact that he’s been a top 20 player for 21 straight years-I’m being generous with that ranking-set him apart. LeBron has played so well that he’s now getting the chance to share the court with his son Bronny James, a dream any NBA father would cherish.

LeBron’s six seasons with the Lakers have been nothing short of exceptional. With a championship in the bubble and averages of 27.0 points, 8.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds over 349 games, LeBron has delivered since day one in California. James has been the highest-paid player on the team since he arrived, and rightfully so. For the 2024-25 season, he’s set to earn $48.7 million, but for franchise owner Jeanie Buss, it’s still a bargain. “I think he’s so competitive, it’s really gotta be something that he wants to do,” Buss told Petros and Money on AM 570 LA Sports. James is likely chasing his fifth ring, one with his son, before he retires. His MVP-winning performance in the Paris Olympics showed that with the right team around him, James can still lead them to a championship, even at 40 years old.

“We always support our players in 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 is our highest-paid player, but he’s still a bargain to me. He’s absolutely amazing,” Buss continued. Buss’ comments are spot on for motivating a legend like LeBron ahead of the new season. No matter how much you pay LeBron, you won’t find a better option in the league. Last season, LeBron lead the Lakers in points and assits as he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in 71 appearances-his most games in a season with the Lakers.

“It’s the same as Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant because we’re in a capped league, and they probably should have been paid twice what they get. But we can only pay him the maximum.” Your best players deserve nothing less, but to get paid. He and Anthony Davis have over 50% of the teams’ cap for the next two seasons, they’ve already won a championship together, so Buss has hopes they can achieve another one before one of them is gone or retired.

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New Season, Same Lakers?
The Lakers didn’t make any major moves this offseason. They didn’t add any significant veterans, and drafting Bronny doesn’t change the team’s core or Jeanie Buss’ vision. However, the situation sparked much discussion about Bronny’s role and how the rotation will be managed by the new rookie head coach, JJ Redick, who becomes the Lakers’ eighth coach since Phil Jackson retired in 2011. As the new season approaches, the team has kept its core intact, including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell, along with key rotation players Austin Reaves, Cam Reddish, Rui Hachimura, and the new kid, Bronny James.