“This is What Sacrificing…Looks Like”: Jalen Brunson’s $156 Million Decision Sparks Fans’ Outrage on LeBron James’ Lakers Contract

It was quite a celebratory occasion at the Knicks front office. After all, they just had a massive boon in cap space. And all thanks to their franchise superstar, Jalen Brunson. You must be aware of the news by now. The Villanova product has further ingratiated himself to the organization and NYC by agreeing to a four-year, $156.5 million extension on Friday. That is $113 million less guaranteed than what he was eligible to receive in a year, Adrian Wojnarowski had tweeted.

It surely was a shocker to everyone! While it wasn’t surprising that Brunson would agree to an extension with New York, it was the money aspect that blew everyone’s minds. To put it into perspective, if the 27-year-old had waited until the next summer for his free agency, he could have easily cashed in on a whopping $270 million contract over five years!

Of course, there is always a risk that comes with waiting. A serious or God forbid, a season-ending injury or a terrible performance could easily turn the tables. Nevertheless, he has already established himself as a solid 10/10 player when healthy. So, the chances of the Knicks turning their backs on him are slim. And it certainly seems to be the case with fans, as well. Although, they did add a twist of their own – bringing LeBron James into the mix.

“Hey LeBron, THIS is what sacrificing salary for your team looks like,” one individual commented on Woj’s breaking news post.

James had made quite the waves this free agency when it was announced he was willing to take a pay cut if the Lakers would bring in an elite free agent to star alongside Anthony Davis and himself. Given this year’s free agency was loaded with top players, it shouldn’t have been hard. Unfortunately, neither the storied franchise nor the star-studded duo of AD and LBJ was enough to lure key assets like Paul George, Klay Thompson, etc.

It ultimately ended in the Lakers superstar signing a two-year $101.35 million extension with a player option for the next season, a no-trade clause, and a 15% trade kicker. Therefore, it’s not surprising that fans would rope in the 4x champion into this.

Jalen Brunson hailed as “THE KING OF KINGS” as fans on X go after LeBron James for his contract

Although Bron was involved in the whole shebang, Knicks fans did not lose sight of the man of the hour – Jalen Brunson. A Knicks fan page, named Knicksmemes, wasted no time in dubbing a heavy title on the star guard. “THE KING OF KINGS,” wrote the X account.

Yet another fan, an Emmy Award-winning TV Host, Kazeem Famuyide, had a similar thought. But of course, it had more details to it. “Every single brand in New York better throw him the damn bag. Chase, Nike, i need to shop at Jalen Brunson Nissan Dealership tomorrow.” Quite a high ask from some of the top consumer brands. Then again, Brunson probably does deserve such treatment, making up for the pay cut incurred.

While $156 million is quite a heavy remuneration, many often forget all the taxes that pile up on such an amount. Yes, even after tax, these players would be making more than an average American. And then there are all the endorsements that bring in additional income. However, it’s hard to look past the $156 million bucks initially to realize that the entire amount wouldn’t be credited to Brunson’s account.

Coming back to the LeBron criticisms, here’s another. “LeBron, with all the accolades, sponsorship deals, media and career salary throughout the decades, surely can afford to take a pay cut as much as Brunson’s if he truly wants to chase rings.” It’s true that the nearly 40-year-old has made more via his off-court ventures than from his career earnings.

In fact, James’ lifetime Nike contract played a huge role in the ‘Akron Hammer’ entering the billionaire club. But how taking a pay cut when the front office can’t even land a quality free agent is going to help the man chase rings is quite the conundrum.

Well, in true Taylor Swift fashion, “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake.” Pretty sure this would be LeBron’s reaction if he ever did engage in any of this online back and forth.

What did you think of Brunson’s decision? And do you think this hate for James is justified? Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, though, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe. Don’t forget to check back in for more such updates from our ES Fancast!