LeBron James Shrugs Off Report of Jeanie Buss Friction: “I Don’t Really Care”
lebron-james-downplays-report-of-jeanie-buss-concerns
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James told reporters on Thursday that he is unfazed by an ESPN article claiming team governor Jeanie Buss once bristled at his influence and even weighed trading him early in his tenure.
“Quite frankly, I don’t really care about articles,” the 41-year-old said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I don’t care about stories, I don’t care about podcasts and all that type of stuff. I’m 41 years old and I watch golf every day. I can care less how somebody feels about me.”
The ESPN piece by Baxter Holmes cited multiple incidents that allegedly irritated Buss, including James reportedly distancing himself from the 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook when the move faltered and the perception that he arrived as the franchise’s “savior” in 2018.
Buss responded through The Athletic on Wednesday, calling the notion that she does not value James’ contributions “just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Asked Thursday about his working relationship with Buss, James said he believes it is positive. “Somebody could see it another way,” he added. “But how I’ve represented this franchise since I got here has been with the utmost respect, honor, dignity—and I would say loyalty. I’ve played here longer than anywhere except Cleveland.”
James recalled joining the Lakers with the goal of “restoring excellence,” invoking memories of the Showtime era, the Shaquille O’Neal–Kobe Bryant championships, and Kobe Bryant’s later titles alongside Pau Gasol. “I was able to do that along with 14, 16 other guys, winning the championship, bringing the championship here,” he said.
Any private misgivings Buss may have had did not alter the club’s approach to its four-time MVP. James has signed three maximum or near-maximum deals with Los Angeles, most recently a two-year, $101.4MM contract in 2024 that includes a rare formal no-trade clause.
When asked Thursday whether he would consider waiving that clause or if he planned to finish the season with the Lakers, James laughed and replied, “I’m good. I’m good.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
