Although LeBron James is a billionaire, some would say that he is still underpaid in comparison to the global attention he brings to a franchise. Sure enough, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss realizes the King’s value and made a bold claim after his heroics in Paris, “He is our highest-paid player, but he is still a bargain to me.” And seeing her most valuable star run the floor every night for Team USA might even have made her a “nervous trainwreck” fearing the worst.

Comparing LeBron’s greatness to Lakers legends like Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, Buss said, “Because we are in a capped league, they probably should have been paid twice what they get. But we can only pay him the maximum.” Discussing her comments on the Lakers Nation pod, media veteran Mark Gunnels agreed with Buss’ sentiment, “If there was no salary cap, then Jeanie would offer him more and I think LeBron would demand more.” Even though he is 39YO, LBJ is still one of the highest revenue generators for the league and everyone knows it.

Then, Mark imagined how difficult it must have been for Jeanie to see LeBron playing in the Olympics and taking a huge risk, “About Team USA, I get the sense that Jeanie was probably watching those games as a nervous trainwreck like ‘Please don’t tweak an ankle, don’t hurt your back’ coz I think if it was up to her, she would have been like ‘No, you’re not playing.’” Every franchise wants to protect their superstars and not overexert themselves during the off-season to return completely healthy when it’s time for the NBA season to start. But you can’t say no to LeBron James if he wants to play in the Olympics. “So, I think she has a big sigh of relief obviously, not just LeBron, AD as well that both of her star players came out of that healthy,” Mark added.

What do healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis mean for the Lakers?

As expected, Jeanie Buss and Co. have again put all their trust and more importantly, their money on LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the near future. Just last year, AD signed a three-year $186 million extension to secure his future in LA for the next four years. With this move, it was evident that Davis was going to be the main guy even if LeBron planned on leaving after his contract expired. As talented as Davis is, it was a massive risk for Jeanie because health and availability have been a major concern for AD throughout his Lakers tenure. However, by playing 76 games last season and averaging a dominant 24.7 points along with nearly thirteen rebounds, Davis proved he could be ‘The Guy’ when healthy.

Meanwhile, LeBron also inked a two-year $101.3 million deal this summer with a player option for next season. And despite his age, he showed during the Olympics by winning the MVP trophy that he is still one of the best players in the world. Moreover, LeBron and AD got to work on their chemistry in Paris as they were constantly syncing up for alley-oops and outlet passes, which would help them next season when they take the floor for the Lakers. So, with LeBron and AD coming out of the Olympics fully healthy, they might be able to transition smoothly to the next season and continue their dominance as soon as the season begins. And Jeanie’s ‘nervousness’ would eventually pay off. What are your thoughts?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger