Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss has responded to an ESPN report detailing her private frustrations with superstar LeBron James amid ongoing family disputes. The report highlighted Buss's resentment over James's influence and perceived lack of gratitude. Buss defended James publicly, emphasizing his contributions to the franchise.
An explosive ESPN feature by Baxter Holmes has shed light on the internal strife within the Buss family and its impact on the Los Angeles Lakers organization since Dr. Jerry Buss's death in 2013. The article revealed that Jeanie Buss, who took over as governor, has privately expressed resentment toward LeBron James, the player credited with revitalizing the team after joining in 2018.
According to the report, Buss grumbled about James's "outsized ego" and the control exerted by him and his agency, Klutch Sports, which also represents Anthony Davis. She bristled at James being viewed as the team's "savior," questioned his accountability in the failed 2021 Russell Westbrook trade, and felt he showed insufficient gratitude for the Lakers drafting his son, Bronny James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. In 2022, Buss even considered trading James to the Clippers or denying him a contract extension.
The revelations come amid broader family tensions, including shock over Jeanie's decision to sell the majority stake to Dodgers owner Mark Walter, with whom she will remain as governor for five years. Buss issued a statement refuting the claims about James: "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," she said. "To say that it wasn't appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him."
Prior to James's arrival, the Lakers struggled under Buss's leadership, posting a 126-284 record over five seasons without playoffs. His recruitment of Davis led to the 2020 championship, the franchise's 17th banner. Despite valid grievances over James's influence—such as pushing for Klutch clients like Montrezl Harrell or the regrettable Talen Horton-Tucker extension—the report underscores how his presence rescued a directionless franchise that failed to attract stars like LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Durant.
