“$150,000 at a Club to Get the Bottle”: LeBron James’ Ex-teammate Reveals “Biggest Difference” Between Lakers and Heat

LeBron James has had a remarkable career in the NBA, but not without its share of controversies. The biggest and most headline-grabbing, however, was his departure from the Miami Heat. Despite the two championships he had won for the Miami team, his rude exit in pursuit of carving his legacy angered many fans. Now, subtle hints, such as Savannah James stating that she misses South Florida, have led to rumors about a potential reunion with the team.

But what is the difference between Los Angeles and Miami? LeBron James’ former teammate provides insights into the “biggest difference” between the two organizations.

What sets Los Angeles and Miami apart?

In the recent episode of Playmaker, LeBron James’ former teammates, Thomas Bryant and Mario Chalmers, united to discuss life beyond the hardwood. Bryant, who started his career with the Lakers, gave a glimpse into the perks of being a player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only are you instantly recognized, but you also enjoy the luxury of complimentary meals. According to Bryant, after a standout performance, the treatment is even more lavish. “For sure going to get a reservation. If you have a good game forget about it, man. Everything is free. Go ahead. What time you want to come? You want to come right now? Bet, we’ll have a table ready,” stated the Milwaukee Bucks guard.

While the Lakers’ players enjoy post-game treats just after a good game, the Miami Heat players have to foot the bill for dinner even after winning a championship. Chalmers, who won two championships with the Heat, detailed their off-the-court culture, stating, “That’s the biggest difference. In Miami, you win; yeah, we got your reservation. Come on, we got you. Sit down. $50,000 end of the night, you be like we just won the championship and I still got to pay for dinner. $150,000 at the club for the bottle. Man, we just won. I don’t even wanna celebrate I’m going home.” We all know how stingy James can get, perhaps that’s the reason he wants to stay with the Lakers.

LeBron James has his sights set on a new deal

After reports emerged about James turning down the Golden State Warriors’ efforts to recruit him, he once again affirmed his desire to stick with the Lakers during the All-Star Weekend. “I am a Laker and I am happy and have been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” said the 39-year-old. And this “stays that way” could potentially be a multi-year deal we are looking at.

As per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James is eyeing a multiyear deal with the Lakers in the offseason, that could potentially be worth nine figures. He said, “I don’t think this is LeBron’s last stand. I don’t think this is the Lakers’ last stand. First off, I think LeBron is angling to sign a multiyear deal in the offseason with the Lakers that will be nine figures. That will be even bigger than the deal he is on now.” However, whether the Lakers will take him up on that is a different conversation.