LeBRON JAMES HOLDS THE CARDS - (Erik Drost photo)

Bronny James, an NBA player in waiting? - (ESPN screen shot photo)

Former LA Laker Jerry West passed away at 86 JERRY WEST REMEMBERED

Bill Walton played through pain and injuries. He was rewarded late in his career being a member of the 1986 NBA championship Boston Celtics team. It was his second NBA title - (Steve Lipofsky photo) BILL WALTON REMEMBERED

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyamai - (NBA Photo) VICTOR WEMBANYAMA = THE REAL DEAL

Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson and Boston Celtics Larry Bird in Game two of the 1985 NBA Finals at Boston Garden Date 30 May 1985 - Steve Lipofsky www.Basketballphoto.com ALL TIME NBA 1st TEAM - BREAKING IT DOWN

Bill Russell is seen here in the green uniform guarding Wilt Chamberlain. They had some of the NBA's most classic battles. Russell sadly passed away Sunday at the age of 88 - (US Library of Congress image) ALL TIME NBA 1st TEAM - BREAKING IT DOWN

SPORTS NOTES EXTRA - The LeBRON & BRONNY JAMES EPIC

James Loving/National Radio Text Service

Since the Lonzo Ball debacle of a selection in the 2017 draft, they may have to make a decision that is not in their business plan but is the will of LeBron James. - BREAKING LeBron James NEWS - THIS DAY IN THE NBA - NBA's ALL TIME BEST PLAYERS 1st and 2nd TEAMS

Thursday June 20, 2024

LeBRON JAMES HOLDS THE CARDS

Speaking of money, as the saying goes money talks and bullshit walks. The Lakers are in a position of having to do what LeBron James wants as opposed to what they are willing to do. Since the Lonzo Ball debacle of a selection in the 2017 draft, they may have to make a decision that is not in their business plan but is the will of LeBron James.

The BILLION DOLLAR MAN is in negotiating position to re-sign or resign in his desire to play in the league with his son Bronny The four-time NBA champion is wealthy enough to set up a scenario that could be too good to refuse.

In theory James could insist on a team signing his son and him. He could make a deal to sign for a veteran's minimum and have make a deal to have his son signed for the rookie minimum salary. Bronny could be in a learning process with his father on the same squad by being on the roster or if he shows promise be a twelfth man. The reality is how many 12th men get playing time.

Could the Lakers be enticed to agree to such a deal? If not, would Cleveland be interested for a return of LeBron with his son. Last but not least should Pat Riley bite on this? Riley was sad when James departed Miami but would this scenario be enticing?

The Bronny man had a less than exceptional college career in his one season at USC. His 4 ppg. and not being a starter is somewhat disheartening. The 19-year-old James did impress at the NBA trials this past week hitting threes with authority.

The most interesting scenario is James being hired as a player coach for Cleveland. In the past James has had many issues with decisions of a coach. In many cases James has functioned as a coach on the floor.

The question is would James place his desire to play on the same team with his son or go for the money. He is considered to be in line for a $52 million salary for a season.

The deal could work this way James could sign as a player for the veteran players minimum. He could be paid a normal first year NBA coaches' salary. The entire deal could cost less than $10 million for a season. The franchise could have more money available to make deals.

Bronny could sign for a rookie minimum. He could be on the roster to practice, have a two-way deal to go to the G League for experience and development. He then could return to the NBA squad intermittently for more guidance and support from his father.'

James could be a good player coach. The last to do it that I recall was Dave DeBusschere for the Detroit Pistons. DeBusschere also played professional baseball during the offseason.

The major argument is that Bronny would be resented by pro players that would take the stance that he made the league because of his father. That may be true.

The flip side of that is the team would benefit from James' presence and talent. The coaching part would be a work in progress.

The resentment issue conversely could also develop team cohesion if the players recognize the significance of such a move. Rather than resentment they could develop a more family atmosphere as playing the part of a supporting uncle.

Cleveland has some aging players in their twilight NBA years with healthy contracts. To move them on might be in their best interests.

Being the son of a legend by his side could help Bronny's development that could lead to a distinguished NBA career? If he's not with his father the result could be disastrous. Stay tuned…

BREAKING NEWS

The following events occurred after this column was written. We will comment on them in a future column. We prefer to leave this column in tact to define the contrast of events to what we surmised.

The Lakers have hired JJ Redick to be their coach on a four-year deal. No financial details have been released. Redick, an ESPN NBA analyst played 15 years in the league and co-hosts a pod cast with LeBron James.

FOE DAH MONEY or FAMILY?

It seems BILLIONAIRE LeBron James is blowing smoke up everyone's arse regarding his wish to play on the same team with his son Bronny. It was reported on ESPN that the Phoenix Suns offered James a deal that they would draft Bronny with the 22nd pick BUT could only pay James the veterans' minimum.

JAMES REFUESED THE DEAL! He is reported to have said that it was INSULTING to offer him so little money.

JAMES IS A BILLIONAIRE and DOESN'T need the money. It questions his integrity and his commitment to the development of his son as an NBA player. Is this an issue of BLOOD not being thicker than MONEY?

&

Jerry West Opens Up About NBA Legacy, Kobe Relationship, Difficult Childhood & More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGtH9mGsVww

JUNE 13, 2023 - RELEASED

1 HR & 44 MIN

Podcast P with Paul George

723K subscribers

In this week's episode of Podcast P, we're joined by NBA Legend Jerry "The Logo" West as he explains his current role with the Clippers and shares his thoughts on the modern evolution of basketball. Jerry opens up about his biggest inspirations, including one of the toughest moments he's had to overcome in his life, and one of the best moments of his career as an NBA exec. Then we hear stories from Jerry about his relationship with Kobe Bryant, and reveals an interesting conversation that took place during Jerry's time with the Memphis Grizzlies. Finally Jerry gets real about being The Logo, why he loves players like Giannis, and why he can't stand the GOAT conversation that happens in basketball.