Lakers forward LeBron James told reporters on Thursday that he’s unfazed by an ESPN report that claimed team owner Jeanie Buss privately griped about his ego and outsized influence within the organization and considered trading him earlier in his Los Angeles tenure.
“Quite frankly, I don’t really care about articles,” James said, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. “I really don’t. I don’t care about stories. I don’t care about podcasts and all that type of s–t. Nah, they don’t bother me. I’m 41 years old, and I watch golf every day. I don’t care about an article. I don’t care how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally and you know what I’m about, (my teammates) know what I’m about, and that’s all that matters. … I can care less how somebody feels about me.”
Jeanie issued a response to Wednesday’s report, which focused primarily on Buss family drama and the decision to sell the team to Mark Walter. In a statement to The Athletic, she said the idea that she doesn’t appreciate what James has done for the franchise is “just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Asked specifically on Thursday about his working relationship with Jeanie, LeBron said he believes they’re on good terms.
“But, you know, somebody could see it another way,” James said. “It’s always two sides of the coin. … How I represented this franchise, and what I wanted to do to represent this franchise since when I got here until now, it’s been with the utmost respect and honor and dignity. And I would say loyalty. I mean, s–t, I played here longer than pretty much any other franchise I played for besides Cleveland.”
ESPN’s report, written by Baxter Holmes, cited several specific moments or incidents over the years that allegedly irked Buss. For instance, according to Holmes, she chafed at the fact that – after pushing the Lakers to trade for Russell Westbrook – James seemed to wash his hands of that move when it didn’t work out, leaving management to take the blame.
Holmes also wrote that Buss didn’t like LeBron being painted as the “savior” of a struggling franchise when he signed with the Lakers as a free agent in 2018.
“My whole mindset was about restoring excellence,” James said on Thursday of his decision to join the Lakers. “The things that I saw growing up with the Lakers — obviously, I didn’t get an opportunity to watch the Showtime (era), but I know the history. Then the early 2000s with Shaq and Kobe, and then what Kobe did and those couple runs with him and Pau. So, my whole mindset was like, how can I get that feeling back to the Lakers organization?
“… I was able to do that along with, you know, 14, 16 other guys winning the championship, bringing the championship here. That’s always been my mindset.”
Even if – as Holmes’ reporting suggested – Buss privately harbored some level of resentment toward LeBron, those feelings never actually impacted the moves the Lakers made with the four-time MVP. James has signed three maximum-salary or near-max multiyear contracts with the Lakers, most recently in 2024 when he agreed to a two-year, $101.4MM deal that made him one of just two NBA players with a formal no-trade clause.
Asked on Thursday, if he would consider waiving that NTC or if he wants to finish out the season with the Lakers, the 41-year-old laughed and replied, “I’m good. I’m good” (Twitter video link).
Righhht… for all his greatness he has rabbit ears the size of Texas. He’s the most insecure athlete ever.
Somebody is speaking the truth. If it didn’t bother you, you wouldn’t have had such a lengthy statement. When you start to mature and like you learn less is best. But also when something bothers you or somebody feels guilty of something they tend to to over defend themselves or talk a lot. Bottom line is LeBron has been selfish and if it wasn’t for the little bubble championship you really hadn’t income as much in La. Trading teammates just the whole toxic environment and The owners are ready to move on. They will not resign LeBron and Brian will be cut next year.
There are only two possible destinations for LeBron getting traded to Golden State. Not really sure that will help them at all. Or going to Cleveland. Any team outside of that just further diminishes your legacy
LeBron is not going to GSW unless Lakers take Butler’s contract. Why would Lakers do that? They don’t want to have dead payroll next year.
I see three scenario’s for Lebron for 2027, takes a major pay cut to play for the Lakers, I can see the Lakers to start building around Doncic it will be his team, #2 become a FA, and #3 just retire.
Lakers do not want him back this report all but tells you Jennie Buss and the new owners do not want him back. They’re laying the groundwork just like LeBron is lay the groundwork for years of blaming teammates, coaches and GMS and everybody else. He did the same thing using clutch supports in the media to shoot down Westbrook. Even though I don’t think Westbrook is a winning player, that’s my honest truth in the trade was stupid. LeBron wanted that trade. The Lakers are now distancing themselves from LeBron. They’ve been doing it since the off-season they can’t trade in. He’s got 50 million in cap and he is a no tradecloth so they’re stuck with him until the end of the year. They will not be resigning him 100%.. don’t see him going to the warriors cuz Curry’s not going to want to play with him. I just threw that out there seeing that’s probably the only team. That makes sense other than the Cavs and I just don’t even see that really working out cuz why would Dan Gilbert want to bring you back?
@buy
not at all why you think anything you read is coming from the mind of mouth of Jeannie or be mngmt. All James wants to do is win and they know-how hard is been to attract FA even during Kobe’s prime.
I don’t have to believe in article. I know it by LeBron’s fruit. You know a person by their fruit by how they act what they say, what they do. So you keep saying I’m believing management when I’ve watched him trade players go on podcast, use clutch sports to create any and every narrative. I know because I have people that I know that play in the NBA that consistently say this. You’re a fan trying to stick up for LeBron so I’m not even going to go back and forth with you anymore. You keep making a point saying I’m believing one person when I’m not. I’m believing the consistent over and over pattern that LeBron has continue to create from Miami to Cleveland to LA. This is in his first time doing this. And now that he’s older and he doesn’t have the power anymore. Anybody who gets their son at McDonald’s All-American who barely average 16 points a game and you wouldn’t even have been an All-American when I was in high school at 16 points a game and that was when scoring was lower. Then you play at USC and average three points a game and you get drafted into the NBA as a guard. A point guard that is if you’re not pulling strings and using different things. I don’t know what else to tell you man keep living in a delusional world and believing celebrities that you’re falling in love with over the Internet
Nobody is buying it but you.
@Buying
Because they need a SF, some veteran leadership and he’s brought Mullins and billings of balls to the franchise and the city? Was that a stupid question? Whether he would mesh with the team LAST year would’ve been a valid question. This team is middle of the lack and needs more. If the Lakers were willing to take back Hunter, Strauss and anyone other than Mitchell, Garland, Mobley or Allen then first could work. If not then massive as a FA at a more team friendly price but that’s a long shot.
@Buying
You’re bias is eager to allow you to believe anything that anyone says bad about a guy you don’t like. LBJ was a bless to the Lakers and Jeannie Buss. He choose them, not the other way around. Regardless, of what you simple-minded ppl say, the chip is legit because every team played under the Dame circumstances and every team they faced had 100% of their team intact. Lakers were in the lottery for 5 years before he came and he led them to the best rescue in the West and a chip in his 2nd year there. He brought AD to town who helped and then was used to acquire Luka. While being the face of the franchise, the same one that had been frustrated by their inability to sign start FA since Shaq, he gave them relevance. Good, mediocre or bad they have stayed on maximal TV for what seems like every week. The teams valuation went from around $3.5 billion to selling for $10 billion. If you don’t think he played a huge role in that then you’re crazy. You know how I know the story is bull? If the Lakers were fed up with him then they would’ve let him walk when his contract expired. What did they do? Extended a new contract at the max, have him a no- trade clause guaranteeing him control over his future and drafted Bronny as a favor. And Bronny sold over $50 mil in jersey sales. Your welcome LA.
A blessing in one season can be on curse in another. Everything isn’t good just because it looks like gold in the front. The honest truth had the NBA and I don’t care what anybody says not step in and bring in Luka. The Lakers would be damned for year after year after year because they would have nothing. Also You keep saying I don’t like LeBron. I have no problem with you LeBron. I never met the man myself. What I don’t like is the disrespect to the game, drinking wine at games, sitting out of games, creating Superstar teams and teeming up with players. Going on podcast throwing coaches and players under the bus. Those are things I don’t respect. As far as his game, yes he’s one of the greatest of all time top five in my book. I don’t have him two or three just in my opinion because of the teaming up. But still, if you’re one of the five greatest players that ever play the game, nobody can never say anything about your basketball game.
Last but not least, the bronie James sold 50 million in Jersey. Sales is ridiculously and a lie. It’s another thing from clutch sports that they put out to justify brony’s existence. Plus you don’t play for money as player. So when he’s on the team, he’s taking a spot of a deserving NBA player exactly what I’m talking about. There’s no way he sold 50 million in Jerseys. I was just at a Lakers game. I don’t think I saw one Ronnie James jersey in the crowd. Actually. I’ve never seen anybody wear one. So if you sold $50 million in jerseys you would see them around somewhere. It’s not true.
@buying
You’re proving my point. We live in a world where you’re bias comes into play. You want to believe that two Black guys are controlling the destiny of one of the greatest franchises in sports and can falsified jersey sales reports published by credible sources that annually track these things. If Jeannie didn’t want him she would’ve let him walk and not given him a new contract with a rare no trade clause. What are we talking about here?
There you go. You just told on yourself. You made it about race when this has nothing to do with race. And by the way I am black however to be successful you can’t cry woe is me. I’m calling the spade a spade and you want to bring race into it saying they don’t have the power and that they can’t do this and they can’t do that. I’m off this conversation because just from your statement alone, you’re incapable of thinking. Logically. Usually when people don’t have an argument they deflect and that’s exactly what you did so you got it man
You’re not calling spade is a spade. You are a Lebron hater and you’re acting like it, lol
When someone uses the word hater it means that a nerve was struck. You didn’t refute any point I made just said I was hater. After in my comment I said he was a top 5 player in NBA history.
50,000,000 ÷ 125= 400,000 bronnie James sold 4000,000 Jerseys in a year. When the number one Jersey last year was Luka doncic and he made 22 million 176,000 jerseys. Bro you can lie bring race or try to deflect you just sold your ignorance and that you’re just making whatever you want. You’re a LeBron fan. That’s okay. I’m no longer going to go back and forth with you on this because I don’t debate liars or people who just make up things. Btw I’m black!!!!
Who are these players bronny is taking a roster spot from? Lol.
#54th pick Anton Watson averages 2.4mins this season. A solid 0.9pts per game.
#55th pick Bronny averages 6.9mins this season. Masterful 1.5pts per game.
#56th pick Kevin McCullar Jr averages 7.3mins this season. Respect on his 2.3pts per game.
Let’s not act like these roster spots are so valuable when they’re the last picks in the draft. As if every coach played EVERY player in the team every game.
Those players didn’t get guaranteed salaries and again, you’re not looking at it as somebody who played basketball. If you play basketball and worked hard your whole life to get that opportunity to be the 55th 56th 57th pick no matter if you make it in the NBA or not, there’s other opportunities. It opens for it to go to somebody who has no business playing in the NBA and probably not even a high level D1 player. We’re not going to see eye to eye on the broni issue. If you don’t see anything wrong with it then there’s no point of going back and forth
Isn’t that just life? Aren’t we all smart or feel we are capable to do a job we apply for? But someone else gets hired because they have a friend or family member in the business. We would all do it for our friends, we just don’t make life-changing money like pro athletes and dont see the harm in it.
No, that’s the difference between you and I and a good leader. A good leader wouldn’t hire their friend who’s not qualified for a job. He would put the best person in the position. The reason why is because you affect everybody and everything that you are overseeing when you have corruption. So maybe your a follower like the rest of the world. But I would teach my kid or my friend how to obtain the position they’re trying to get and if they put in the work then yes they would have a one-up. And I wouldn’t hire somebody who isn’t qualified for the position over top of somebody who’s qualified just because I know that. Nothing wrong with a hookup. If you’re qualified. There’s something wrong if you’re not. Fact of the matter is he’s not an MBA player so he’s not qualified
LeBron is a disgrace to the NBA for drinking wine but you’re nowhere to be seen on the Bridges story. You also choose to ignore Kobe’s misconduct in Colorado.
All because it fits your narrative.
You got to be crazy. I just said on the Bridges story that he’s a piece of crap. LeBron is not a bad guy. Spoiled entitled diva over the last 7 years. Absolutely. But that has nothing to do with his off court life
Bron feels he carried the Lakers. He doesn’t care what they say. It’s Brons ego more than anything. Like West, Magic, Kobe, MJ. He can say or feel what he wants. Nobody is telling him anything lol …
For the record Westbrook was his call. But they have to agree to get him. So please …. break ups are messy.
And he wants to act like he’s too good for listening to podcasts as he’s had 2 big ones and his agent and business partner just started one with The Ringer. Not to mention the production company he owns. He cares. If you want an example of a star that truly doesn’t care look at Jokic.
@Black
Pretty sure he meant he doesn’t care what “others” have to say. I’m sure that’s the same sentiment that every other huge athlete feels. Not sure why you ppl see it otherwise. I get it. We are nobody’s looking outward in. These dudes have been dealing with public scrutiny since they came into the nba. You really feel LBJ wouldn’t have put a gun to his head if he didn’t figure out how to time out the noise following “The Decision”? We “brokies” need to chill and start setting the world outside of our personal biases. And stop accepting narrat from ppl spring salacious boos as facts. LBJ has increased the value of the Lakers by $7 billion and she gave him a new deal with a no trade. Why would she do that if she was so unhappy. In what world do bosses do that?
Welllllllll, for all LeBron’s faults, I actually think KD is the more insecure lol
it matters to LeBron. He knows he is on the way out and they no longer will allow him to run the team. That NTC means that he will want an extension if traded. Watch and see.
He’s going to want to stick with his kid. Can’t blame him for that and no way he leaves mid-season.
You never know. Trading his payroll hit is the thing that will keep him there.
Lebron publicly campaigned for Russell Westbrook to be a Laker. He basically demanded that he needs him in order to compete for another title. It’s funny how insecure and zero accountability this guy gives us on an annual basis. He backed the front office to draft his son when there were MORE needs on the team than having a nepotism pick milestone for his career/legacy.
NBA does not revolve around LeBron anymore and he can’t stand it. It’s a new generation of fans and players that made this sport a global sport. He’s on his way out and he has zero control of the situation anymore except he will play long as any team will fork over a blank check to him hoping to save their franchise.
Jerry, I see this as your next marketing scheme for 2026-27 season. :-)
Somebody will sign Lebron next year to put butts in the seats.
Watch Seattle gets a team and he signs there so fans can come back out in the expansion season.
LMAO
he actually wants a team in Vegas.
@raz
He asked for him because….??? THEY WERE OVER THE FREAKING SALARY CAP AND HAD NO TRADE ASSETTS TO BRING IN ANYONE ELSE!! West was getting paid from his previous buyout and selling to accept the vet minimum. Stop acting like yall didn’t under that. It’s not like West cost them any serious money. And any player the Lakers wanted at #56 likely wasn’t drafted at all and they could’ve brought them in as an undrafted FA. The idea that Bronny took them away from “the key” is silly. LBJ is the key and drafting him to LA helped him stay.
Haters lol ….. no real facts. Just noise
Cool story Baxter, nobody cares about your drama.
I cannot see LBJ going to the Warriors, but I could see him wanting to back to Cleveland teaming up with Mitchell and Mosley. But I could see the Knicks going after LBJ if they can’t get a deal done with Milwaukee for Giannis, I could see the Knicks and Lakers agreeing to a deal as a plan B.
Warriors have no payroll to get LBJ unless the lakers want Green and Kuminga but no draft picks. That is not happening because why would the lakers do a bad deal?
They have Jimmy Butler…
They also have many First round Picks, but don’t think the Lakers would or should go for it.
If GSW would do a crazy overpay and offer almost all their draft capital, that’s different though. They would be giving up on this season, but get a big haul while they are not sure if he stays after the season…
And in my mock trade, they would also take on Vanderbilt and Vincent for Kuminga.
warriors would never do that MDJ said he doesn’t want to trade draft picks or they would have MPJ right now.
Lebron is like that drunk uncle who shows up on some family occasions – everyone wants to kick him out, but nobody wants to be the one to do or even say it. lol
*I “COULDN’T” care less…
I’ll never understand how this happens so frequently.
“I don’t care how somebody feels about me”. Right. Then you have them ejected from the arena.
Lebron states that he can care less what somebody feels about him. So by definition that means that he actually does care what people feel about him since he still can care less than he already does.
What a knucklehead.
Drafting his trash son
Got a podcast cast himself, and nobody has manipulated the media with BS stories more than this guy through his Klutch LeMedia. Oh the irony.
Far as I’m concerned. Bron can do and say what he wants. He’s the greatest player of his generation. And Lakers bought into him. Now they want to pass around blame. These are silver spoon kids who never bounced a ball only checks. WGAF what they think.
You can hate on Bron all you want. Lakers never win a title without him ………. He should ask for a buyout at TD. Go win a Title with Cavs, Knicks, Nuggets, Rockets, Pistons on a minimum contract lols….
👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 …. NBA Finals
👑T👑H👑E👑King👑 NBA Chips
Yes yes I can and do, regularly. Ain’t stopping either. This is your king…lmfao.
Jebron Lames!
Bron got more POINT than hater posts …… and counting for next 25yrs …. 😳😳😳🤫l
42769 and counting 🔄>>>>>
My James cares for us all, he can be there for you if you just praise him
Louis Armstrong is serenading LeBron with Old Rockin’ Chairs got me, my cane by my side. That’s when you start watching golf on TV.