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Jeanie Buss – LeBron James: Behind the Scenes of a Strained Relationship with the Lakers
Tense relations between the former owner and the superstar. Jeanie Buss reportedly considered trading LeBron James to the Clippers in 2022 after the Russell Westbrook fiasco, criticizing the King for his lack of gratitude and oversized ego.
Jan 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The relationship between Jeanie Buss and LeBron James has significantly deteriorated over the years, reveals an explosive report from ESPN by Baxter Holmes. The former majority owner of the Lakers, now governor of the franchise after its sale to Mark Walter for $10 billion, reportedly developed deep frustration toward the 41-year-old superstar.
The Westbrook Trade: Breaking Point Between Buss and James
The relationship particularly soured after the Russell Westbrook trade in July 2021. The Lakers made this trade to satisfy LeBron James, but the operation resulted in a resounding failure with a record of 33 wins and 49 losses and missing the playoffs.
According to team sources cited by ESPN, Jeanie Buss blamed James for his lack of accountability in this fiasco: « James seemed to wash his hands of his role in this acquisition. » The executive felt that the superstar was « shifting blame to others » after the failure of the trade he had encouraged.
Jeanie Buss began to turn on LeBron James years ago, per @Baxter
– Grumbled about James « outsized ego »
– Felt Klutch exerted too much control
– Didn’t like how LeBron was considered a savior
– Lack of accountability over the Westbrook trade
– Privately mused about not giving… pic.twitter.com/OEFNVBgFho— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 21, 2026
Buss’s frustration was such that in 2022, she reportedly « privately considered not extending James » and even « trading him, with the LA Clippers mentioned as a possibility, » reports ESPN. These considerations occurred before James obtained a no-trade clause in his July 2024 contract.
Lack of Gratitude Criticized After Bronny’s Draft
Tensions escalated further during the 2024 draft when the Lakers selected Bronny James 55th overall. Despite this historic gesture allowing father and son to play together in the NBA, Jeanie Buss felt that LeBron wasn’t sufficiently grateful.
« Jeanie privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt he wasn’t, » reveal ESPN sources. This situation illustrates the growing divide between the two parties, despite the fulfillment of a dream long cherished by the King.
Jeanie Buss also criticized LeBron for his « oversized ego » and the control exercised by Klutch Sports over the organization. She also didn’t appreciate him being considered the « savior » of the franchise upon his arrival in 2018, believing that Lakers executives deserved more credit for recruiting him.
With LeBron in the final year of his contract and the Lakers posting a record of 26 wins and 16 losses this season, these revelations suggest a likely separation at the end of the 2025-2026 season.
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