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By Will Glover | June 25, 2024
Photo by Isaiah J. Downing - USA Today
LeBron James. Perhaps the most polarizing and greatest player in the history of the NBA is back in the headlines... as if he ever left. This week's LeBron story? Reports from multiple sources say "The Lakers are committed to signing LeBron James to a 3-year, $162M max contract."
That IS unreal money for a 41-42 year old... then you remember it is LeBron James. The same LeBron James that averaged 26/8/7 on 54/41/75 splits in his age 39 season. Unreal.
It seems that as LeBron gets older, he gets better - or at least he adapts to his aging body and becomes a more complete player. Even though it looks like the Lakers star isn't showing signs of slowing down any time soon, it has to happen eventually, no? I understand that it hasn't happened yet, but time is no one's friend, and LeBron is no exception. There is no doubt in my mind that LeBron is deserving of this contract that will be offered to him; however, LeBron has made it clear that he "desperately wants to win at the highest level again", and no... the In Season Tournament doesn't count.
If someone like LeBron wants to add to the Greatest Resume in the History of Sports, with this season's free agent class, wouldn't it make sense for LeBron to take a page out of The Big Fundamental's Book of Winning? If you recall, after the Spurs suffered a brutal 4-2 defeat to the then-blooming Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 Western Conference Finals, Duncan felt it was best to cut his paycheck in half, so that his San Antonio Spurs could remain whole. Cutting his salary from $21.16 million down to $9.65 million. Boy did that move pay off for him. Duncan was able to keep the Spurs' core intact while securing back-to-back NBA Finals appearances and a 2014 NBA Finals victory (should've won in 2013 too). If a player like Tim Duncan, arguably a top 5 player in the history of the sport, can take a significant pay cut, then LeBron can too.
Even if LeBron took half that salary, that would allow the Lakers enough money to go and sign multiple players like Paul George, Klay Thompson, and/or a few other 3-and-D wings that the Lakers need to compete for an 18th NBA Championship. Not only would this move help the Lakers reclaim the "Greatest Franchise in NBA History" title, but fans and critics alike would have no other choice but to crown King James as the Greatest Hooper of All Time. It wouldn't even be close at this point... assuming LeBron would win Finals MVP, that would give LeBron 4 MVPs in the modern era, 5 Finals MVPs, 5 rings, and a whole lot of other unbreakable records.
So here's my message to LeBron:
LeBron, you are one of my favorite athletes in the history of sports... do the right thing. Take a pay cut. Cement your legacy as the GOAT of the NBA once and for all. Give us basketball and sports fans a reason to watch the NBA Playoffs again. You are a billionaire already... what is $20-$30 million less on a paycheck? Nike and all your other endorsements already paid you that amount as I typed this. You have the opportunity to do something that very few athletes have ever had: a chance to win a ring, as the best player, over your age 40 season. Like I said before... NO ONE could dispute you as the number 1 greatest ever. If you claim to want to compete at a high level again, and then don't take this pay cut... it would be a huge slap in the face to the basketball gods. And I promise you, you will never win another ring again... whether this next season is your last, or if you have 3 more left in the NBA, you won't see another banner lifted. And I promise you, that more people than not will have the Ghost from Chicago's name over yours... So learn from Timmy D's lesson of sacrifice and make a sacrifice of your own. No. Darvin Ham doesn't count... YOU have to be the sacrifice this time around.
Sincerely,
NBA Fans