JAYSON TATUM STUNS NBA: REJECTS $475M DEAL FROM LAKERS — “MY LOYALTY LIES WITH THE BOSTON CELTICS”
Boston, MA – May 9, 2025
In a stunning twist that has shaken the foundation of the NBA offseason, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has rejected a jaw-dropping $475 million contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, reaffirming his allegiance to the team that drafted him in 2017.
The record-shattering deal — which would’ve made Tatum the highest-paid player in NBA history — was reportedly structured over six years and included full guarantees, player option control, Hollywood endorsements,
and even a stake in Lakers-affiliated media ventures. But for Tatum, none of that could pull him away from the legacy he’s built in Boston.
“My loyalty lies with the Boston Celtics. This is my home, my legacy, and the city I want to win for,” Tatum said in a statement shared by his agent this morning. “No amount of money can replace what it means to wear green.”
The Lakers’ Mega Offer
Sources close to the league confirm that Lakers owner Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka were prepared to go all-in on bringing Tatum to L.A., offering:
- $475 million over 6 years
- Full no-trade clause
- Executive-level input on roster construction
- Lifetime Nike and Hollywood production partnerships
- A luxury penthouse in Beverly Hills and private travel perks
Still, Tatum — who led the Celtics to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances — said legacy matters more than luxury.
NBA Reactions Pour In
Fellow NBA stars and legends reacted swiftly across social media.
Kevin Garnett: “This is why Jayson is a Celtic through and through. Loyalty. Heart. Grit. Respect.”
LeBron James: “Gotta respect the man for standing on his values. Boston, y’all got a real one.”
Jaylen Brown, his longtime teammate: “Tatum staying? That’s all I needed to hear. Let’s finish what we started.”
Even Lakers icon Magic Johnson commented:
“We made our best pitch. Jayson chose loyalty over legacy in purple and gold. Salute to him — he’s building something special in Boston.”
The Green Standard
Tatum has already etched his name into Boston’s storied history, becoming the youngest Celtic to reach 10,000 career points and earning multiple All-NBA First Team honors.
He has often spoken about following in the footsteps of icons like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and Bill Russell.
“I want to be remembered like the legends before me,” Tatum said in a past interview. “You don’t become a Celtics great by jumping ship.”
Team President Brad Stevens was emotional upon hearing Tatum’s decision to stay.
“Jayson is the kind of player you build a franchise — and a legacy — around. He represents everything the Celtics stand for.”
What’s Next for Tatum and Boston?
With his commitment solidified, the Celtics are expected to aggressively pursue key free agents to support Tatum’s quest for a title. Sources say ownership is willing to go deep into the luxury tax to bring Banner 18 to Boston.
Tatum, 27, is entering the prime of his career and remains focused on only one goal:
“Winning a championship in Boston is the only thing on my mind. Let’s get it done.”
Conclusion
In an era defined by superteams and big-money moves, Jayson Tatum just reminded the world what true loyalty looks like.
He turned down the glitz of Hollywood and the riches of L.A. to chase something far more rare — immortality in Boston.
Tatum stays. Boston rejoices. The mission continues.
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