The ongoing tension between LeBron James and former Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has taken another turn-and this time, Draymond Green is stepping into the spotlight to back his longtime friend.
On the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Warriors forward didn’t hold back when addressing reports that Buss grew frustrated with James’ influence in the Lakers organization. According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Buss reportedly disliked the narrative that painted LeBron as “a savior for a floundering franchise.” That framing, it seems, didn’t sit well with her.
Green, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, came to James’ defense with a pointed response:
“Is LeBron supposed to bow down and kiss her ring and say thank you?”
he asked. “I've seen 'Bron speak out about how appreciative he was.”
That’s not just lip service from Green. His relationship with James runs deep.
The two have built a strong bond over the years, both personally and professionally. They’re both represented by Klutch Sports Group, led by Rich Paul-a central figure in this Lakers saga.
Buss reportedly believed Paul held too much sway within the Lakers' front office, particularly after orchestrating the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade in 2019. But Green pushed back on that narrative, framing Paul’s involvement as part of the modern NBA landscape.
“A lot of the top agents, especially agents of the top players, usually have some say over what goes on,” Green said. “That's the nature of this business.”
He’s not wrong. In today’s league, the lines between player, agent, and front office are often blurred-especially when you're dealing with generational talents like LeBron. Influence isn’t just a perk of being a superstar anymore; it’s part of the power structure.
The relationship between James and Buss reportedly deteriorated further after the ill-fated Russell Westbrook trade in 2021. According to Holmes, Buss was so frustrated with how the season played out that she even considered trading LeBron to the Clippers.
That’s a bombshell in itself-but Green wasn’t about to let Westbrook take the fall for the Lakers’ struggles. He made it clear that pinning the team’s issues on one player doesn’t tell the whole story.
In Green’s eyes, the Lakers’ problems ran deeper than just Westbrook’s fit. And he’s not alone in thinking that. The roster construction, inconsistent coaching, and injuries all played a part in the team’s underwhelming performance that season.
At the end of the day, Green’s comments reflect a broader truth about today’s NBA: star power comes with influence, and that influence can ruffle feathers in even the most storied franchises. But when it comes to LeBron, Green isn’t backing down from the idea that the four-time MVP has earned his voice-and then some.
As for the Buss-James dynamic? It’s a reminder that even in a league built on talent, relationships behind the scenes can shape the future just as much as anything that happens on the court.