Key Highlights
- Jeanie Buss denies feeling LeBron James wasn’t grateful enough for the Lakers drafting his son, Bronny.
- The relationship between Buss and James reportedly soured after the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook in 2021.
- Buss reportedly considered trading James at one point due to his perceived lack of commitment following the failed Westbrook deal.
- James’ contract is up at the end of the season, allowing him to potentially leave the team if he chooses not to return.
The Lakers-Bracelet Saga: A Family Drama Within a Team
In a recent revelation, Jeanie Buss, owner and governor of the Los Angeles Lakers, denied feeling that LeBron James wasn’t grateful enough for the team’s decision to draft his son, Bronny, in the 2024 NBA Draft. This statement comes amid a complex web of family drama that has been unfolding within the organization over the years.
The Tumultuous Partnership
When LeBron James signed with the Lakers ahead of the 2018-19 NBA season, it was met with high hopes and expectations. Initially, their partnership seemed promising, culminating in a championship for the team during James’ second season. However, this harmony did not last long.
According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Buss reportedly began to sour on James after the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in 2021.
The move was intended to make James happy and improve the team’s dynamics, but it backfired as Westbook’s fit on the Lakers proved awkward. The team failed to make the playoffs following this acquisition, leading Buss to express frustration with how James handled the situation. “Westbrook’s deal didn’t work out as planned,” says a source close to the team, “and Jeanie was particularly unhappy with LeBron’s lack of commitment to the cause.”
The Draft Decision and its Aftermath
Following this failed trade, Buss reportedly considered trading James himself. The Los Angeles Clippers were seen as a potential destination for the superstar. However, James inserted a no-trade clause into his 2024 extension, making any such deal impossible unless he approves it.
The relationship between Buss and James further soured when the Lakers drafted Bronny in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. “And when the Lakers drafted LeBron’s son, Bronny, with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft,” says a source close to the team, “Jeanie privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt he wasn’t.”
While Buss has now denied these claims, her statement to The Athletic refutes them.
She said, “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. To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
The Future of James at the Lakers
James’ contract is up at the end of this season, which means he could potentially leave the team in free agency if he chooses not to return. Despite his age (41) and past performance, James has still performed well during this season, helping the Lakers achieve a 26-16 start.
However, Buss’s stance and her relationship with James might impact his future with the team. Given that she remains the Lakers’ governor and minority owner, James could face challenges if he wants to continue playing for the franchise.
The 23-year NBA veteran has not addressed his future beyond the 2025-26 season.
The fate of LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers is now in question. Whether Buss and James can co-exist remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the relationship between them has been complicated by personal and professional factors that go far beyond the court.