LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have bounced back from a sluggish start to the 2023-24 season, aiming to surpass their performance from last year’s postseason when they reached the Western Conference Finals. Despite approaching his 39th birthday in a few weeks LeBron has sustained an All-NBA level of play this season.
Devoted followers of King James are well aware of his love for the NFL and are also aware that the basketball icon never hesitates to acknowledge talent. He recently praised Mike Evans, showcasing his genuine appreciation for the NFL wide receiver.
LeBron James advocates for NFL talent
Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers broke their two-game losing streak by defeating the struggling Carolina Panthers in Week 13. Personally, Evans achieved a milestone by securing his tenth consecutive 1,000-yard season. This accomplishment caught the attention of NBA icon LeBron James, who praised the veteran wide receiver.
After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 13 victory over the Panthers, the four-time NBA champion tweeted, “I mean cause he’s LIKE THAT!!! A BEAST!! Oh and somebody gone get a MONSTER If they don’t 💰 him up!”
Mike Evans had seven catches for 162 yards and a touchdown against their NFC South division rivals. It marked his third 100-yard game this season, following his six catches for 143 yards against the Tennessee Titans three weeks ago.
Evans’ outstanding performance against the Panthers propelled him to 1,012 receiving yards with five regular-season games left. Reaching this mark established a record, as he now boasts ten consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss’s previous record of six straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
His ten straight 1,000-yard seasons also place him one behind Jerry Rice’s 11 straight from 1986 to 1996, with Rice holding the record for the most 1,000-yard seasons among all wide receivers at 14. However, LeBron James highlighted that the team acquiring Mike Evans will secure a high-impact player. The competition to sign him kicks off after the 2023 season, concluding his five-year, $82.5 million contract extension.
Although the Buccaneers incorporated voidable years to extend his cap hit, Evans won’t be tied to a contract by the end of the ongoing season. Impressive performance this season provides his camp with negotiating power. The escalating market for wide receivers could further boost his value as he heads towards potential free agency in the 2024 offseason.
LeBron James prepares for shot at $500,000
The Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the In-Season Tournament this year, sweeping through all their group stage games and claiming the top spot in West Group A with a flawless 4-0 record. Alongside the Indiana Pacers, they are the first two teams to advance to the tournament’s knockout stage and will face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
Despite King James’ wealth, he is excited about the chance of winning this tournament, coupled with cash of $500,000 prize money placed for each player on the victorious team. Speaking at a press conference after the Lakers secured their first on-road win this season, LeBron James expressed his teams excitement regarding the prize money, “Y’all heard that there’s $500,000 on the line, so we’re going for that.”
Also, players will still earn some money as they progress through each knockout stage. For instance, even if a team loses in the quarterfinals, the players still have $50,000 within reach. Those on the team falling in the semi-finals will pocket $100,000 each, and the players on the finalist team will take home $200,000 each.
With the Lakers already securing a spot in the quarterfinals, LeBron James and his teammates are now guaranteed to earn $50,000, even if they miss the chance to advance further. However, judging by the team’s enthusiasm, it’s highly unlikely that the Lakeshow will settle for just $50,000 in the tournament.
