Behind the scenes, friction has existed for years between the Los Angeles Lakers and their franchise star, with multiple team sources saying Jeanie Buss privately expressed frustration over LeBron James’s influence within the organization.
Those feelings intensified after the failed trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021, a move made largely to satisfy James that ended with the Lakers finishing 33-49 and missing the playoffs.
Sources say Buss privately bristled at what she viewed as James’ excessive control, his association with Klutch Sports, and the perception that he was credited as the franchise’s savior upon arriving in 2018.
She also felt the player avoided accountability after the Westbrook trade unraveled, shifting blame rather than owning his role.
By 2022, Buss had privately discussed not extending James and even floated the idea of trading him, with the LA Clippers mentioned as a theoretical destination.
That occurred before James received a no-trade clause in July 2024 as part of a two-year, $104 million contract.
Tensions reportedly resurfaced in 2024 when the Lakers drafted James’ son, Bronny James, with the 55th pick.
Team sources said Buss felt James was not sufficiently appreciative of the decision.
That summer, she was described as reluctantly accepting that re-signing him was necessary to avoid a major public backlash.
The Lakers ultimately did not offer James an extension during the 2025 offseason, fueling speculation that this could be his final season in Los Angeles as the franchise increasingly pivots toward Luka Doncic.
Prior to the 2024 trade deadline, the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors briefly discussed a conceptual James trade, highlighting the strained nature of the relationship.
Jeanie Buss Mulled Trading LeBron James Following Russell Westbrook Fallout https://t.co/NBWEHbG2G2
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 21, 2026
