LeBron James, often celebrated as one of the greatest basketball players in history, continues to defy age and expectations at 39. Despite approaching the latter stages of his career, James remains at the top of his game. Recently, he demonstrated his enduring excellence by capturing his third gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and was named MVP of the Olympic basketball tournament, further cementing his legendary status.

The 2024 Olympics might mark the end of James’s international career, but his professional journey is far from over. James has committed to another season with the Los Angeles Lakers, re-signing for the 2024-25 NBA season. Lakers’ owner and president Jeanie Buss remains confident in James’s continued value to the team and considers him an irreplaceable asset.

In a recent interview, Buss addressed concerns about the impact of James’s Olympic involvement on his performance with the Lakers. Despite the potential wear and tear from international competition, Buss expressed unwavering support for James. She even suggested that, were it not for the constraints of the NBA’s salary cap, she would be willing to offer him even more.

“It was something LeBron truly wanted, and yes, he is our highest-paid player, but in my eyes, he’s still a bargain,” Buss said on the Petros And Money Show. “He’s absolutely incredible. Being a salary cap league, there are limitations to what we can offer him financially. However, his contribution goes beyond the court—he brings immense recognition to our franchise both within the league and globally.”

Buss’s remarks underscore not only James’s impressive on-court performance but also his significant impact on the Lakers organization. His influence extends beyond basketball, elevating the team’s profile both within the league and on the global stage. As he continues his career with the Lakers, LeBron James remains a pivotal figure, embodying excellence and generating substantial value for the franchise.