Al Hilal’s offer for Kylian Mbappe is one that has been heard around the world by now. Despite Paris Saint Germain making him available for a little under €200 million ($221,956,000), the Saudi Arabian club made a bid for €300 million ($332,934,000). With the amount of money the nation has at its disposal, many have started to fear for the NBA. After all, if Saudis wished, they could start their own basketball league. And with the money that potential association could throw around, an NBA analyst worriedly hypothesized over how Bronny James and LeBron James could be headed there if they are offered $150 million to do it.
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Saudi Arabian football clubs have been gaining attention from the best players in world football for some time now. After a strong showing by the nation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they defeated the eventual winner Argentina, they have kept the momentum going with the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Having offered massive deals to Karim Benzema, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, the league is still on the hunt for superstar names to stack alongside the Real Madrid legend.
Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss how LeBron James and Bronny James could head to Saudi Arabia
On their episode of the ‘The Mismatch’ podcast, Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon were discussing the possibility of Saudi Arabia potentially opening its own basketball league, and the contracts NBA superstars would likely receive. While talking about this, the topic of LeBron James and Bronny James came up. Here is what they said on the matter.
KOC: “If there is no salary cap for this theoretical new league, where LeBron (James) is making $100 billion or… ”
Vern: “They are offering (Kylian Mbappe), $747 million, 3 quarter of billion! For 1 year!… Seeing all those (NBA Players joke about going to Saudi Arabia)… don’t goof too much! Because these jokers might throw a billion dollars at somebody!
KOC: I think they’re joking because they want that offer.
Vern: Of course, they do!
KOC: LeBron could become a free agent next offseason. And his son can enter the NBA. What if they offer $150 million package deal for the both of them?
Vern: “*Sarcastically* God bless!”
As one might expect, the two analysts aren’t too thrilled at the idea of LeBron and Bronny going to Saudi Arabia to earn big money. Fortunately for them, and NBA fans everywhere, despite the money, many are worried about the culture shock they may experience in Saudi Arabia.
So, while the money may seem enticing, not many would be willing to take a leap toward a country so drastically differing in culture.
Bronny James’ recent cardiac arrest
Bronny James was in the middle of a USC practice a few days ago when he suddenly succumbed to cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was in the ICU for a little while. Fortunately, he has since been taken out of the ICU, and is now in no immediate danger, much to the relief of fans everywhere. However, there has been no update on the situation since.
We wish Bronny James a speedy recovery and hope to see him healthy and smiling very soon.
