“It’s important that Bron retires as a Laker” Jeanie Buss talks about how LeBron James’ extension has done wonders for ‘LAKERS’ brand
Follow Us
Lakers owner Jeanie Buss talks about LeBron James contract extension
Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James extended their collaboration for 2 more seasons, pleasing their fan base. NBA franchises and players are more than athletes and a team, but they represent a Brand of sport. Los Angeles Lakers also managed to set their identity as one of the dominant forces in the league, and home for many megastars. The Lakers president Jeanie Buss said the organization has placed an emphasis on convincing LeBron James to retire with the franchise. It may seem a laughable argument for some fans to keep players of nearly 40’s playing for the team, but to a larger extent, it has a very broad impact on the league.
Buss discussed the direction of the Lakers with Sam Amick of The Athletic on Tuesday in wake of James’ two-year, $97.1 million contract extension. Reflecting on the same and Coach Darvin Ham’s role in it she said, “We have a new coach, and I’m excited to see what he brings and I want to give him all the time and resources that he needs to build a successful program. And I’ll stay cautiously optimistic, but it is a big vote of confidence when LeBron James signs a two-year extension, when he had many months to do so (he had until June 30, 2023, to sign this deal).”
Jeanie also added the other side of the extension, “And you know, it was a priority to us. It’s a priority to the Laker brand that he retire a Laker. We’ll probably enjoy watching him as he approaches becoming the all-time leading scorer in history.”
Los Angeles Lakers as a Brand in the NBA.
The Franchise founded in 1947 was based in one of the biggest markets of the League. They ripped fruits of the same by having maximum and also the celebrity crowd for their games. But Franchise also did not disappoint their fans. LA Lakers won their record-equaling 17th NBA title and had many of the big names players.
Also Read: “Bald is Beautiful” Charles Barkley sounds off on LeBron James’ FAKE hairline
The Lakers boast the second-most Hall of Famers among NBA franchises with 31 (27 players and four coaches). The most recent Hall of Famer in the LA Lakers’ history was also their iconic and beloved player, the late Kobe Bryant.
They drafted nearly half of those players but were able to attract some of the superstars because of the ‘Brand name” and their performances. Even before last year’s title, the Lakers were the most iconic and recognizable franchise in the NBA with 2 of the megastars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing for them.
Twenty-six Hall of Famers has played for Los Angeles, while four coaches have been with the team. Four Lakers—Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, O’Neal, and Bryant—have won a combined eight NBA MVP awards.
Los Angeles Lakers looking to get back on track in 2023 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
2020 NBA Champions L.A. experienced a poor run of form in later seasons. It would be fitting to say that they trended in the wrong direction since winning the title. An early elimination in the 2021 playoffs and an even worst record in 2022 forced them to make huge changes in the organization.
After changing coaching staff, The Lakers have made some modest changes to their roster, led by depth additions like Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV, though it hasn’t been the type of overhaul that was expected, they tried to add some meaningful pieces around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For a mega deal, the LA team is dependent on the massive contract of Russell Westbrook. As long as the nine-time All-Star, who struggled mightily for most of his first season in L.A., stays on the roster, there isn’t enough financial flexibility to add another high-profile player.
But the team and organization looked confident of repeating the title-winning run for their fans with available resources.
Also Read: “This mofo got the best drip” NBA Twitter reacts to LaMelo Ball’s incredible customized Ferrari
Do follow us on Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)