Jeanie Buss said LeBron James is still a valuable asset to the teamJeanie Buss and LeBron James (Image Credits: Getty Images)
LeBron James, often regarded as the greatest player of all time, has shown no signs of slowing down despite being 39 years old. The all-time points leader, who was recently criticized by an ex-NBA player, amazed fans by winning his third gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was also awarded the tournament’s MVP after the conclusion of the Olympic basketball event.

Although this Olympics was likely his last, James will continue playing in the 2024-25 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers, as he re-signed in the offseason. Moreover, the Lakers’ controlling owner and president, Jeanie Buss, believes that James is still a valuable asset to the team.

When asked about the risk/mileage of James playing in the Olympics as the Lakers’ most significant asset, Buss suggested she would pay the 39-year-old star more if not for the salary cap.

“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. Because we’re a salary cap league, there’s only so much that we can pay him. He brings us the notoriety in the league but also internationally.” Buss said during a recent appearance on Petros And Money Show.

In the 2023-24 season, James delivered outstanding performances for the Lakers. He showcased exceptional skills against tough competition, helping lead the team to the Playoffs. Unfortunately, they were defeated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2023-24 NBA playoffs.

Buss Recognizes James As A Stellar Leader For The Lakers

Buss solidified James’ status as a major star and an excellent leader for the Lakers. She believes that the four-time NBA champion contributes to the community and inspires future athletes. Buss did mention that James deserves to be paid double, but the Lakers can only offer him the maximum salary.

“He’s a huge star and he’s a great leader for this team. What he does for our young players, what he does for the community. We’re proud to be partners with him. It’s the same as Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant; because we’re in a capped league, they probably should have been paid twice what they get. But we can only pay him the maximum.” Buss added.

James showcased his dominance both in the NBA and on the international court. According to StatMuse, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds in 71 games during the NBA 2023-24 season.

Additionally, The 39-year-old put on incredible performances at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, averaging 14.2 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game.

Houston Texans star Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his illegal hit to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the ensuing brawl between the teams in a lengthy statement on social media.  

Al-Shaair’s statement comes as his three-game suspension as a result of the incident has ended and he is slated to return to the field for the Texans on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

On December 1, an Al-Shaair hit to the head of a sliding and defenseless Lawrence caused chaos in Jacksonville. The defensive back needed to be restrained by several coaches and Lawrence has not played since taking the barbaric contact.

‘While so many jumped at the first opportunity to hop on the false narrative – that l’m a dirty player or bad person – the messages from all who stood by me were the only things keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation,’ Al-Shaair said on social media.

‘I’ve learned so much from this entire experience. Seeing myself on video – letting my emotions get the best of me to the point where I completely lost it – was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment for me.’

‘I’ve had to earn everything in my life. I never want to allow anyone to get me to a point where I jeopardize everything that I’ve worked all my life to obtain. That was not the way I want to represent myself or my family and I will continue to learn and grow from that moment.’

Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence
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Azeez Al-Shaair has admitted regrets over his hit to Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence

The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence
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The Texans defensive back was suspended for three games as a result of the hit to Lawrence

Al-Shaair said during his three-game ban, he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league executives for the first time, taking issue with how he was characterized in the official announcement of his suspension.

The defender said he thought his character and integrity were ‘unjustifiably smeared’ in the release but the meeting with Goodell and others was ‘productive’ and gave him hope it would not happen again.

‘In that conversation – man-to-man – I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,’ Al-Shaair continued.

‘I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.’

Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was not the only controversial incident he was involved in this season.

During the Texans’ game against the Bears in September, he punched Roschon Johnson, who wasn’t even in the game at the time of another sideline confrontation.

Al-Shaair ended his statement by saying his view is that everyone in the league office and on the field are on the same team to represent the NFL in the best nature possible, something he failed to do earlier this month.

‘Lastly, I’ll say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good you planted in others’ lives can grow into the very tree that shades you with comfort and compassion when you need it most,’ Al-Shaair concluded.

‘I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a hell of a football player and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love.’