Los Angeles, Jan. 23, 2026 — LeBron James brushed aside a recent story describing friction with Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, saying his 2020 championship already fulfilled his promise to “restore excellence” to the franchise.
Speaking after Thursday’s 112-104 loss to the LA Clippers, the 41-year-old forward said he “doesn’t care” how anyone, including Buss, feels about him. The question arose after an ESPN report by Baxter Holmes detailed alleged strain between Buss and James dating to his 2018 arrival and highlighted tensions surrounding the failed Russell Westbrook trade.
“I don’t really care about the reports,” James said. “When I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence … I was able to do that along with, you know, 14, 16 other guys winning the championship.”
Report Outlines Years of Tension
The Holmes story stated Buss privately considered withholding a 2022 contract extension and even floated trading James to the Clippers after the Westbrook fallout. It also portrayed James as a “savior” whose presence overshadowed the organization’s role in recruiting him.
James offered a different view. “I thought [the partnership] was good, but somebody could see it another way,” he said, adding that he has not spoken with Buss since the article was published and rarely has one-on-one phone conversations with team owners.
Track Record in Los Angeles
James signed with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018, ending the club’s five-year postseason drought in his second season. After publicly urging management to acquire Anthony Davis, he led Los Angeles to the 2020 NBA title inside the Orlando bubble. The Lakers have reached the playoffs in five of the past six seasons, including a Western Conference finals berth in 2023 and the inaugural in-season tournament crown the next year.
Reactions From Buss and Redick
In a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday, Buss said, “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 also updated her Instagram profile photo to an embrace with James after the 2020 championship.
Head coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment before Thursday’s game. “Everybody in this organization appreciates LeBron and appreciates what he’s done for the Lakers,” he said. “He’s carried on the legacy and, truthfully, the burden of being a superstar here for eight years.”
No-Trade Clause Remains Intact
With the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline two weeks away, James — who holds a no-trade clause — was asked if he would consider waiving it. “I’m good,” he replied while leaving the locker room.
James, now in his 23rd NBA season, summed up his approach to outside scrutiny: “I can care less how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally and you know what I’m about, that’s all that matters.”
Source: ESPN
