Jeanie Buss, the esteemed owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, has not shied away from sharing her thoughts on LeBron James’ massive salary. The NBA legend, who at the age of 39 stands as the league’s all-time leading scorer, recently inked a lucrative two-year contract extension worth a staggering $101.35 million to continue his tenure with the iconic purple and gold franchise.
In a recent appearance on the Petros and Money show on AM 570 LA Sports, Buss opened up about allowing James to represent Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, despite concerns about the wear and tear on his body. The 62-year-old team executive also candidly addressed James’ new contract, emphasizing her willingness to pay the superstar even more if the opportunity arises.
“LeBron is a proven winner and his star power generates revenue that exceeds his salary,” Buss explained on the show. While James is poised to become the highest-paid player on the Lakers roster in the 2024-25 NBA season, with a salary of $48.7 million in the first year of his new deal, Buss is adamant that his value transcends mere monetary compensation.
Interestingly, despite James’ astronomical earnings, his salary for the upcoming season only ranks 14th among all NBA players. This fact is somewhat surprising given his status as one of the most iconic and accomplished athletes in the world. In fact, his teammate Anthony Davis is set to surpass him in salary for the 2025-26 season, with a staggering $57.6 million compared to James’ $52.6 million if he decides to exercise his player option.
The disparity between James’ salary and his ranking among the league’s highest-paid players is a testament to his unique position as a transcendent figure in the world of basketball. With his unmatched talent, work ethic, and global appeal, LeBron James continues to defy expectations and redefine what it means to be a true sporting icon.
