Behind the viral moment of LeBron James smiling alongside Jeanie Buss and Linda Rambis on International Women’s Day-a photo that lit up social media in 2024-there was reportedly a far more complicated dynamic playing out behind the scenes in the Lakers’ front office.
According to a detailed report from ESPN, tensions between Buss and James have simmered for years, particularly when it comes to who holds the real power inside the Lakers organization. Buss, who has long been responsible for the franchise’s biggest decisions, was said to be frustrated by the perception that LeBron was the savior of the team when he signed in 2018. While there’s no denying the impact James has had-bringing a championship to L.A. in 2020 and keeping the team relevant in a loaded Western Conference-the idea that he was solely responsible for the franchise’s resurgence reportedly didn’t sit well with Buss.
Things escalated after the Lakers made the high-profile trade for Russell Westbrook, a move widely seen as one driven in large part by LeBron’s influence. The expectation was that Westbrook would be the final piece in a championship puzzle.
Instead, it turned into one of the more disappointing experiments in recent Lakers history, with poor on-court chemistry and a missed playoff berth. What reportedly irked Buss most wasn’t just the failure of the trade-it was the feeling that James didn’t own any of the fallout.
According to team sources, Buss felt James deflected blame rather than stepping up and acknowledging his role in the misfire.
The relationship grew so strained, sources say, that Buss even considered the unthinkable: trading LeBron James. In 2022, in the wake of the Westbrook debacle, Buss reportedly mulled over not offering James a contract extension.
At one point, the idea of trading him across town to the Clippers was floated internally. That was, of course, before James signed a new two-year, $104 million deal in 2024 that included a no-trade clause, effectively anchoring him in L.A.
Another sticking point? Buss reportedly believed James didn’t show enough appreciation after the Lakers drafted his son, Bronny, in 2024. For a franchise that made a move many saw as a nod to LeBron’s legacy and family, Buss allegedly expected a bit more gratitude.
Now, from the outside looking in, things appear to have cooled. James is still donning purple and gold, and that now-famous photo with Buss suggests at least a public show of unity. But beneath the surface, the power dynamics between a generational superstar and one of the league’s most influential owners have clearly been tested.
While the Lakers have weathered plenty of storms over the years, the LeBron era has brought a unique blend of success, scrutiny, and behind-the-scenes drama. And even with the memes and smiles, it’s clear that the path hasn’t always been smooth.