Jeanie Buss' Strained Relationship with LeBron James: A Look at the Lakers' Turbulent Journey
Jeanie Buss, the owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, reportedly expressed frustration with LeBron James' significant influence within the organization. She was said to be unhappy with the perceived control James and his agency, Klutch Sports, had over the team. Buss felt that James was given too much credit for the Lakers' success and was critical of his handling of the failed Russell Westbrook trade.
The relationship between Buss and James soured after the Lakers acquired Westbrook in 2021 to appease James, but the move did not yield the desired results. Buss was reportedly displeased with James' lack of accountability following the trade and considered not extending his contract in 2022. There were even discussions about potentially trading James to the LA Clippers before he received a no-trade clause in 2024.
When the Lakers drafted James' son Bronny in 2024, Buss expected James to show more gratitude for the gesture. Despite her reservations, Buss ultimately accepted that they would need to extend James's contract, despite the potential public relations backlash. However, the Lakers did not offer James an extension in the 2025 offseason, fueling speculation that this could be his final season with the team as they shift their focus to Luka Doncic.
As the Lakers explore their options ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, there were brief discussions with the Golden State Warriors about a potential trade involving James. The future of James with the Lakers remains uncertain as the team looks to transition to a new era without him.