Lakers free agent LeBron James still viewed as worth massive investment says NBA executive originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Los Angeles Lakers free agent forward LeBron James heads into the open market as arguably the best player in the group.
At age 41, James is doing things we have never seen before. He was arguably one of the top players in the playoffs before being eliminated, and he proved that he still has plenty left in the tank.
With his stellar play all season long and when it mattered most, James proved that he is worth a ton of money this summer. Whether the Lakers are going to give him that remains unclear.
However, what is clear is that James still carries immense value around the league. One anonymous East executive even said he would give the 22-time All-Star whatever he wants financially because of the superstar appeal and attention he still brings to a franchise.
“I’d pay LeBron whatever he wants as long as it’s a one-year deal, no player option. Give him the no-trade clause,” an East executive said. “Everything [new Lakers owner Mark] Walter has done so far has been about good business.
“LeBron sells tickets. He keeps the [local] TV partner happy. Re-signing LeBron is good business.”
LeBron James remains one of NBA’s biggest draws
The Akron native has been a draw at the box office since he was in high school. James is one of the more iconic and polarizing players this game has ever seen, and that remains the case as he heads into his potentially 24th season in the league.
The four-time NBA champion will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. James is coming off yet another productive season, averaging 20.9 points per game on 51.5 percent shooting from the field.
No matter where James ends up, tickets are going to fly off the shelves.
