Behind the Hollywood lights and the “family” narrative that the Los Angeles Lakers often project, there was a deep and dangerous fracture between team owner Jeanie Buss and her biggest star, LeBron James. And while the team is currently facing a results-driven crisis, everything could worsen due to recent revelations.
According to internal sources cited in a recent ESPN report, the tension reached such an extreme point that the owner seriously considered parting ways with the “King” via a trade.
The origin of the conflict: Ego and Control
Although LeBron’s arrival in 2018 and the 2020 championship appeared to revive the franchise’s glory, the private relationship quickly deteriorated. Jeanie Buss began to resent what she perceived as James’ excessive ego and the overwhelming control that his agency, Klutch Sports, exerted over the organization, believing that it undermined her authority.
Buss was bothered by the narrative portraying LeBron as the “savior” of a struggling franchise. According to the sports outlet in an extensive report, she was irritated that the front office did not receive credit for securing his signing, arguing that James’ camp had already decided on his move to Los Angeles regardless of the team’s management.
The relationship hit rock bottom after the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade in July 2021. The acquisition, pushed by LeBron to form a “Big Three,” resulted in a 33-49 season and a missed playoff berth. What angered Jeanie the most was her star’s lack of accountability. According to team sources, she felt that LeBron “washed his hands” of his role in the failure of the trade, shifting the blame to management while she absorbed the public criticism for allowing the team to collapse.
The secret 2022 plan: Sending LeBron to the Clippers
Jeanie’s frustration escalated to an operational level in 2022. Privately, the Lakers owner not only considered not offering LeBron a contract extension, but also floated the possibility of trading LeBron James altogether. One idea discussed was sending him to their hallway rivals, the L.A. Clippers. At the time, LeBron did not yet have the no-trade clause he would later secure in 2024, making the move theoretically possible.
Even the selection of Bronny James in the 2024 draft (pick No. 55)-a historic move that united father and son-became a source of friction. Jeanie privately commented that LeBron should be grateful for the franchise’s gesture, but felt that he did not show that gratitude.
Ultimately, LeBron’s two-year, $104 million contract extension in the summer of 2024 was not an act of faith, but one of resignation. Jeanie accepted the deal almost reluctantly, aware that refusing to sign him would represent a devastating public relations blow she was unwilling to endure-cementing a marriage of convenience rather than a successful alliance.
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