The Los Angeles Lakers have never been short on drama, but this week, the spotlight shifted off the court and onto the franchise’s inner workings. A newly surfaced report has pulled back the curtain on years of tension within the Buss family - and more specifically, a growing divide between Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and the face of the franchise, LeBron James.
According to the report, the relationship between Buss and James has been strained for some time, particularly in the aftermath of the 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook - a move that reportedly had James’ fingerprints all over it. Behind closed doors, Buss is said to have grown increasingly frustrated with the influence that James and Klutch Sports, the agency that represents him, have tried to wield within the organization. So much so, in fact, that she even considered trading James in 2022.
That’s a bombshell, no doubt. But if you thought LeBron was going to bite on the controversy, think again.
Following the Lakers’ 112-104 loss to the Clippers on Thursday, James was asked directly about the report. His response? Classic LeBron - measured, defiant, and focused on legacy.
“I don't really care about the reports, to be honest,” James said. “Since I've been here - my eighth year here in L.A., 23 years in the league - there's always going to be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.”
That’s not just media fatigue talking. James has been under the microscope since he was a teenager, and he’s learned how to navigate the noise. But even as he brushed off the drama, he made it clear what brought him to the Lakers in the first place: a desire to restore the franchise’s championship pedigree.
“When I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence,” James said. “The things I saw growing up with the Lakers - I didn’t get to watch Showtime, but I know the history. Then the early 2000s with Shaq and Kobe, and what Kobe did with Pau - my mindset was, how can I bring that feeling back?”
And to his credit, he did exactly that. In 2020, with the help of Anthony Davis and a strong supporting cast, James led the Lakers to their 17th NBA title - tying them with the Celtics for most in league history. That championship wasn’t just a win for the team; it was a validation of James’ vision and leadership in L.A.
So where does that leave his relationship with Buss?
“I thought it was good,” James said. “But, you know, somebody could see it another way. It’s always two sides of the coin.”
Still, he made it clear that he’s carried himself with pride and professionalism during his time in the purple and gold.
“How I’ve represented this franchise, and what I wanted to do to represent this franchise since I got here until now, it’s been with the utmost respect and honor and dignity. And I would say loyalty,” James said. “I mean, [expletive], I played here longer than pretty much any other franchise I played for besides Cleveland.”
That’s a meaningful statement. James has now spent more time in L.A. than he did in Miami, and he’s been the face of the team through highs and lows - from the 2020 title to the frustrations of recent seasons.
Still, the whispers aren’t going away. As long as James is wearing a Lakers jersey, there will be questions about his influence, his future, and his relationship with the front office.
Some fans have been calling for a new direction, especially over the past year or two. But as of now, there’s no real sign that Buss or the Lakers brass are preparing to move on from their franchise cornerstone.
James, now 41, is set to hit free agency this summer. He’s in the midst of his record-breaking 23rd NBA season and continues to defy Father Time, averaging 22.5 points, six rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting an efficient 50.8% from the field.
Whether this is the beginning of the end or just another chapter in a complicated Lakers saga remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure - LeBron James isn’t going to let off-court noise define his legacy. He came to L.A. to win, and no matter what’s said behind closed doors, that mission hasn’t changed.