Back in June, the Los Angeles Lakers became the latest NBA team to undergo an ownership change. Following a more than 40-year stretch under the Buss family, the iconic franchise was sold for a staggering $10 billion.
Roughly six months after the sale, new developments regarding the situation have come to light. As the basketball world buzzes over the latest reporting, Jeanie Buss spoke out against one claim aimed at her.
Jeanie Buss Dismisses Reporting About Her Relationship With Lakers Star LeBron James
In his tell-all for ESPN, Baxter Holmes conducted a deep dive into the many factors that led to the Buss family selling the Lakers. As the primary face of the operation, Jeanie was frequently mentioned.
While discussing Jeanie, Holmes touched on her relationship with LeBron James. He wrote that she had a significant disconnect with the Lakers’ star forward for a variety of reasons.
“And team sources told ESPN she even began to turn against the Lakers’ star player, LeBron James,” Holmes wrote. “Jeanie privately grumbled, people close to the team say, about what she felt was James’ outsized ego and the overt control that he and Klutch Sports, which represents both James and Anthony Davis, exerted over the organization at times.”
As discourse surrounding the column intensified, reports emerged detailing Jeanie’s reaction to what was written. She quickly dismissed any suggestion that she and LeBron do not have a strong relationship.
“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,” Jeanie Buss told The Athletic, per NBA insider Sam Amick. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Holmes’ reporting adds to what was already a drama-filled situation involving LeBron and the Lakers. As many know, the 21-time All-Star had the opportunity to hit the open market last offseason. However, in a surprising turn, LeBron opted into his player option for the first time in his storied career.
The Lakers showed reluctance to offer LeBron a sizable extension over the summer, which could partly stem from his reported disconnect with ownership. Now, the longtime superstar is playing on an expiring contract, with retirement speculation constantly looming.
Although the franchise has changed hands, Jeanie remains heavily involved in the organization. As part of the sale agreement, she stayed on as the team’s governor and continues to oversee day-to-day operations.
