Jeanie Buss Regrets LeBron James’ Involvement in Lakers Family Drama
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently navigating a turbulent landscape, both on and off the court. Recent developments reveal the complex relationship between Jeanie Buss and star player LeBron James, amidst significant organizational changes.
Jeanie Buss Regrets LeBron James’ Involvement in Lakers Family Drama
On January 21, 2026, Jeanie Buss expressed her regrets regarding the involvement of LeBron James in the ongoing family disputes within the Lakers organization. Her remarks came in response to an ESPN article that detailed a $10 billion sale of the franchise by the Buss family to Mark Walter’s ownership group, which highlighted internal conflicts that prompted the sale.
Frustrations with LeBron James and Klutch Sports
Buss revealed her disappointment that James was dragged into the family’s issues, stating, “It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers.” She emphasized that it felt unfair for James to be included in the family’s drama, particularly due to his contributions to the team.
- Jeanie Buss is the current governor of the Lakers.
- LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, is the CEO of Klutch Sports, which also represents Anthony Davis.
- Buss cited frustrations with the perceived influence both James and Klutch exhibited within the franchise.
Despite Buss’ praise, the relationship between her and James has been strained in recent years. It has been marked by challenges after their successful 2020 NBA championship run. Discontent from James regarding the team’s management and strategy has been evident and has contributed to ongoing tensions.
Changes in Team Dynamics
The Lakers’ fortunes shifted in early February 2025 when they traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić. This move altered the balance of power within the franchise, with Dončić represented by Bill Duffy rather than Klutch Sports. Lakers officials viewed this change as an opportunity to reduce Klutch’s influence.
In the 2023-2024 season, LeBron James returned from injury and faced challenges regarding contract negotiations, with no extension offered before he opted in for his current deal. Following the sale of the team, Buss’ leadership faced scrutiny as she dismissed several key family members holding high-ranking positions within the organization.
Lakers’ Performance Review
Since their championship win, the Lakers have ranked 13th in win percentage and have faced multiple playoff eliminations. The team struggled with drafting players who contributed meaningfully, leading to a gap in effective long-term strategy.
- Record in the 2023-2024 season: 16-12 since James’ return.
- Current standings: 17th in net rating (minus-0.4).
- Notable struggles among star players James, Dončić, and Austin Reaves.
In recent news, Rich Paul suggested potential trades to strengthen the team, leading to public disagreements with James, who asserted Paul’s opinions do not reflect team intentions. As the Lakers look to the future, Jeanie Buss continues to grapple with the balance between familial loyalty and organizational success in her role.
