Rich Paul Dismisses Report Claiming Jeanie Buss Turned On LeBron James
rich-paul-refutes-report-jeanie-buss-lebron-rift
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul publicly rejected a recent report alleging that Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss had grown frustrated with LeBron James and the influence he and Klutch wield within the franchise.
Speaking on the latest episode of his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman, Paul said he is unconcerned about rumors surrounding the Lakers’ internal dynamics. “There’s an article written every day,” he said. “Who gives a — I don’t. You don’t know what’s true, what’s not true.”
The article in question, which detailed reported infighting within the Buss family, suggested Buss felt James, Paul and Klutch Sports had too much sway over basketball decisions. Paul countered that narrative, emphasizing the partnership he and James have enjoyed with the organization since arriving in Los Angeles in 2018.
“From the time we got to L.A., we’ve been treated great,” Paul said. “There was a championship won. When people see things are going well, they try to poke holes and manipulate relationships.” He added that any long-term relationship will experience occasional friction but insisted it has not affected their collaboration with the Lakers.
Paul also pointed to the team’s 2020 NBA title as evidence of a successful working relationship, recalling light-hearted moments such as daily lunches and games of Rummikub inside the league’s Orlando bubble.
Buss has previously issued a statement of her own, calling it “unfair” for James to be drawn into the Buss family’s private matters. Beyond those remarks, neither Buss nor James has addressed the latest report in detail.
For now, Paul said he plans to stay “unbothered” by what he labeled “clickbait,” reiterating his appreciation for the partnership that has produced a championship and remains, in his words, “great.”
Source: Lakers Nation
