The Los Angeles Lakers have never been short on star power or behind-the-scenes intrigue, and once again, both are front and center. A recent report has brought renewed attention to the complex dynamic between Lakers governor Jeanie Buss and franchise cornerstone LeBron James-a relationship that, according to the report, has been tested over the past few years.
At the heart of the tension is the fallout from the 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook, a move that reportedly had LeBron's fingerprints all over it. The deal, which ultimately didn’t pan out the way the Lakers had hoped, appears to have left some lasting scars in the front office.
According to the report, Buss grew increasingly frustrated with James in the aftermath and even considered trading him in 2022. There was also reported hesitance about offering him a contract extension in the summer of 2024.
But Buss has since pushed back on that narrative. In a statement to The Athletic, she defended James and distanced him from the long-running family drama that has surrounded the Buss siblings since the passing of their father, Dr. Jerry Buss.
“It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
And to be fair, James’ contributions to the Lakers have been nothing short of historic. Now in his 23rd NBA season-a record in itself-the 41-year-old continues to defy time and expectations.
Even after missing the first 14 games of this season due to sciatica, he’s bounced back with remarkable efficiency. He’s averaging 22.5 points, six rebounds, and seven assists per game while shooting a blistering 51% from the field.
Over his last 19 games, he’s turned it up even more: 25.2 points on 53.4% shooting, along with 6.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists per night. That’s not just impressive for a player in his 40s-it’s elite by any standard. James continues to be the engine behind the Lakers’ offense, a stabilizing force in a season that’s had its fair share of ups and downs.
Still, the looming question is what happens next. James is set to become a free agent this summer, and while his on-court production speaks for itself, the long-term vision between him and the Lakers’ front office remains uncertain. Will the franchise double down on its commitment to LeBron, or will both sides start to consider a future apart?
For now, the Lakers are still in the thick of the season, and James is showing no signs of slowing down. As always in L.A., the spotlight burns bright-and the drama, both on and off the court, never really fades.