Los Angeles Lakers fans were quick to react after Jeanie Buss shared a heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant, reigniting scrutiny over her relationship with LeBron James.
Buss posted a clip from ESPN’s Jalen vs. Everybody, featuring Kobe Bryant and Jalen Rose in a lighthearted moment. In the segment, Rose bumps into Bryant at a restaurant, and Bryant jokingly orders 81 olives in his martini, a playful nod to the 81 points he scored against Rose’s Raptors in 2006.
Accompanying the clip, Buss wrote, “Miss him everyday. Love this clip. #81 @chineseguy88.” While intended as a tribute, the post came amid reports of friction between Buss and James. Some Lakers fans used the opportunity to voice their frustrations.
“Jeanie please get rid of that bum a*s fraud Lebron,” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Trade @KingJames, please. I speak for all of @Lakers fans.”
ESPN’s Baxter Holmes initially reported Buss’ alleged frustrations with LeBron and his agency, Klutch Sports.
According to the report, Buss felt James lacked accountability and was insufficiently grateful to the franchise for drafting his son, Bronny James.
Buss clarifies her stance
In response to the growing controversy, Buss addressed the situation through The Athletic, defending her relationship with LeBron. “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.”
Buss also demonstrated her support for James on Instagram, updating her profile picture to a photo of herself embracing the Lakers superstar. The gesture suggested that despite public speculation, she stands by the veteran forward.
The Lakers‘ season has added context to the tensions. The team recently lost 112-104 to the Clippers, ending a two-game winning streak during an eight-game road trip. With on-court struggles and off-court drama, fans and media alike continue to dissect the dynamics between Buss and James.
Ultimately, Buss‘ tribute to Kobe and her supportive statements toward LeBron indicate that while narratives swirl around the Lakers‘ leadership, the bond between franchise and player remains nuanced and far from simple.
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