Following the Buss family's decision to sell its controlling stake in the Los Angeles Lakers for a record valuation of $10 billion, a detailed report examines the reasons behind the sale and reveals the tense relationship between her and LeBron James.
One of the most notable revelations is that Jeanie Buss' relationship with LeBron has reportedly been strained for years.
The report outlines several friction points, including James' lack of responsibility for the Russell Westbrook trade, ongoing contract-related tensions and a lack of appreciation after the Lakers drafted his son, Bronny James, in 2024.
It is even claimed that Buss has explored the possibility of trading LeBron in 2022.
As speculation increased, Bass released a statement discussing the report and her relationship with James.
Lakers general manager Jeanie Buss released this statement to The Athletic in response to today's ESPN report, which included reports about her relationship with LeBron James.
“Given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, it just doesn't feel right that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said. “To say he wasn't appreciated is incorrect and completely unfair to him.”
Buss and James have long been on the same page publicly, working together during a championship run in 2020 and several tumultuous seasons since.
Wednesday's report, however, paints a very different picture, one of muted frustration and unresolved tensions at the highest levels of the organization.
Despite selling her majority stake, Buss is expected to remain Lakers governor for at least the next five years, meaning her working relationship with James remains important.
With LeBron likely entering his final season in the Purple and Gold, consistency remains crucial as the Lakers contend in a tight Western Conference playoff race.
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