The “perfect marriage” of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James could have been nothing but an illusion all these years. In shocking news that broke out courtesy of ESPN reporter Baxter Holmes, it appears that there has been simmering frustration in the Lakers organization, this time from owner Jeanie Buss, who took umbrage at LeBron James specifically because of his lack of gratitude over the decision to draft this year’s Bronny James.
Although the father-son pair was making history in the NBA arena, the leadership struggle was said to be reaching a boiling point within the organization. According to sources within the team, Jerry Buss was dissatisfied with the way the team was accommodating LeBron James, who was receiving an “outsized ego” in response to the efforts of the team for accommodating LeBron James in the pick of Bronny with the 55th pick.
Did the Bronny James Draft Break the Lakers’ Trust?
For the public, the 2024 NBA Draft was a sentimental milestone. For the Lakers‘ front office, it was reportedly viewed as a significant “gesture” of loyalty toward LeBron. According to the report, Jeanie Buss expected a level of gratitude that she felt never arrived.
Key Takeaways from the Report:
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The Gratitude Gap: Jeanie Buss reportedly “privately grumbled” that LeBron didn’t show enough appreciation for the team drafting Bronny, especially given the young guard’s unconventional path following a cardiac arrest in 2023.
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The Westbrook Fallout: Tensions trace back to the 2021 Russell Westbrook trade. Jeanie Buss allegedly bristled at James’ lack of accountability when the move failed to produce a championship contender.
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Trade Talks: As early as 2022, Jeanie Buss reportedly explored trading LeBron James, with internal discussions even floating a move to the cross-town rival LA Clippers.
Jeanie Buss Fires Back: “Family Drama” vs. Reality
In a swift bid to contain the damage, Jeanie Buss released a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. In the statement, she passionately defended LeBron, stating that the story is “completely unfair.”
“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,” Jeanie Buss stated. “To say that it [his impact] wasn’t appreciated is just not true.”
This move is very timely. The Lakers, under the new ownership structure worth $10 billion headlined by Mark Walter, are in a transitional phase in which Luka Doncic has emerged as the main highlight, and the 41-year-old LeBron James is set for an uncertain off-season in the free agency market.
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