Skip Bayless Claims LeBron James Underachieved For Lakers Despite Earning $340 Million

Free agent LeBron James might have to accept a significantly lower salary to return to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Skip Bayless Claims LeBron James Underachieved For Lakers Despite Earning $340 Million

LeBron James and Skip Bayless (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James is a free agent after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, with potential destinations including the Warriors, Knicks, and Cavaliers.
  • Skip Bayless criticized LeBron for not taking a pay cut despite a playoff record of 32-31 during his tenure, arguing it doesn't justify a new big contract.
  • Jeanie Buss dismissed statue talk for LeBron, stating they won't discuss it until he retires, while praising his recent performances.

Over the course of the upcoming offseason, LeBron James will spend time with his family before deciding where he wants to continue his basketball career.

After eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers, the superstar is a free agent. It is not that he has not been in this position before, but now, there are concerns that he will stay.

The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are touted as potential destinations if the King believes he is better off elsewhere.

This situation came about ever since Jeanie Buss‘ apparent dissent towards him came to light. Since then, speculation has mounted whether she and her top brass want him back.

If he were to, there are rumors that the father of three will be forced to take a significant pay cut. But that, according to Skip Bayless, should have happened a long time ago.

Why didn’t he take it 8 years ago?… It’s $340 million… It’s a lot of money. He is the ultimate box office… But he gave you an overall playoff record of 32-31 in his 8 years. Since that Mickey Mouse championship,… 16-26 is LeBron’s playoff record… That is the worst playoff winning percentage in all of basketball.

Skip Bayless said on Gil’s Arena

The longtime analyst had an issue with LeBron James wanting another big contract, citing the lack of consistent success to validate it. But if the league’s all-time leading scorer were to return on the veteran minimum, Bayless would love that.

Surprisingly, the generally combative towards the Lakers’ superstar, Bayless, praised the four-time champion for performing exceptionally well in the playoffs. But he does not believe that should warrant another $50 million deal.

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Jeanie Buss laughs off LeBron James Lakers statue question

While much has been made about Jeanie Buss’ apparent dissent towards LeBron James, a fan caught up with her at the airport and asked her about a potential future statue for the superstar.

LeBron James and Jeanie Buss have to be on the same page
LeBron James and Jeanie Buss have to be on the same page (Image via FTW/X)

He’s still playing. We don’t talk about statues until someone retires. He’s playing great.

Jeanie Buss replied

She essentially laughed off the question simply because her veteran superstar is still playing in the NBA. Maybe she knows that he will continue to play next season, which is why she did not give a direct response. On top of that, Buss praised James’ recent performances.

The debate surrounding LeBron James’ statue has engulfed sports media. There are many who believe the 22-time All-Star has not done as much as those who already have a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.

Then there are others who believe that the mere fact that the Akron native brought the franchise back to relevance and made them the most valuable organization in the league is enough for him to be immortalized.

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Lakers’ legend believes team needs changes if LeBron James and his teammates are to fight for a title

If LeBron James were to return, he would like the top brass to commit to building a team that can contend for a championship.

I didn’t see championship quality… I think they definitely need to make some changes. I don’t think you could run it back with the same Western Conference teams that are gonna get stronger.

James Worthy told Dan Patrick

The Hall of Famer pointed out how Deandre Ayton was not physical or aggressive enough. He would prefer it if they brought in someone who can be a bruiser.

James Worthy praised other pieces, but stressed that the team needs an influx of talent that can turn them from just being playoff contenders to a championship team.

Ultimately, the three-time champion is waiting to see what LeBron James decides, as what he demands will define the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.

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