LeBron James Downplays ESPN Report Suggesting Jeanie Buss Felt Overshadowed
lebron-james-downplays-espn-jeanie-buss-report
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James brushed aside an ESPN story claiming team governor Jeanie Buss was upset he receives too much credit for revitalizing the franchise. Speaking late Thursday after the Lakers’ 116-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena, the 41-year-old veteran said he is unfazed by the swirl of commentary surrounding the organization.
“I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest,” James told reporters. “Since I’ve been here—my eighth year in L.A., 23 years in this league—there’s going to be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.”
James reiterated that his goal upon signing with the Lakers in 2018 was to restore the franchise’s winning tradition. He referenced the team’s history from the early 2000s championship runs through Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, then pointed to the 2020 title he helped secure in the Orlando bubble.
“How I’ve represented this franchise has been with the utmost respect, honor, dignity—and I would say loyalty,” he said. “I’ve played here longer than anywhere else besides Cleveland.”
With Thursday’s defeat, Los Angeles slipped to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, holding only a slim edge over the seventh-place Phoenix Suns. James declined to engage further on whether the ESPN report could affect his future in Los Angeles.
“I’m 41 years old, and I watch golf every day,” he said. “I don’t care about an article. I don’t care how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally, that’s all that matters.”
Redick Backs Star Forward
Head coach JJ Redick defended James in the wake of the story, telling reporters that everyone inside the organization values what the four-time MVP has accomplished during his eight seasons in purple and gold.
Source: Lakers Nation
