NBA legend LeBron James ' new record-breaking contract has been called into question, with one American pundit comparing his earnings to NFL great Tom Brady.
James, 37, has signed a new two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $97.1million (£82.1m), representing a slight increase on his previous per-season salary. The contract also makes him the highest earner in NBA history, surpassing Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant with $532m (£450m) in guaranteed career wages.
But broadcaster Skip Bayless—who has long been among James' most outspoken critics—lamented the extension when compared to Brady's earnings. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback retired earlier in the year only to announce his comeback 40 days later.
"LeBron will make $200million more than Brady. . .in 2 fewer seasons! That's [because] Brady took a winner's discount to make his team better," fumed Fox Sports host Bayless. " So did Tim Duncan his last 4 yrs: 10 mil, 10 mil, 10 mil, 6 mil. Billionaire Bron: almost 50 mil in Yr 20 & 21! Lakers: no shot. Congrats, King."
Brady, 45, is heading into his 23rd NFL season, and Forbes reported in August that he's set to be the highest-earning player in the league this coming campaign. It's estimated the seven-time Super Bowl champion will rake in $75m (£63.4m) in both on and off-field earnings.
James fans were quick to defend their idol in response to Bayless' post, as one user replied: "Because LeBron is a better athlete and is greater and is more skilled." Others pointed out the disparity in game time between the NFL and NBA; American football players lace up a maximum of 17 times per season, while James has averaged 55.75 games a year in his four seasons with the Lakers thus far.
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It's widely understood Brady gave up earnings in the past in order for the New England Patriots and Buccaneers to build better teams, arguably more crucial in the NFL given their much larger squads. Both he and James have long been centrepiece players in their respective organisations, but consistent success and repeat title-winners are typically more common in the NBA.
Bayless' 'no shot' comment appeared to be a jibe at the Lakers' chances of reclaiming the NBA championship this upcoming season. The west-coast franchise failed to make the play-offs last term, their second post-season miss since James arrived in 2018.
That being said, the Lakers came back to win basketball 's top prize the following campaign in 2020. And team executives will be hoping a fresh contract is just the motivation their talisman needs to repeat and lead them to the promised land this season, which gets underway on .
