LeBron responds to Buss report: ‘I’m not concerned with others’ opinions of me’
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James stated that he has achieved his objective of “restoring excellence” to the Los Angeles Lakers organization by securing a championship during his time with the team and expressed that he “doesn’t care” about the opinions of others — including Lakers team governor Jeanie Buss — at this point in his life.
James made these remarks Thursday after a 112-104 defeat to the LA Clippers when questioned about a recent article by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes that examined the dynamics within the Buss family leading up to the franchise’s sale to billionaire Mark Walter last June. The article included insights into the reportedly strained relationship between Jeanie Buss and James.
The article highlighted tensions that began when James joined as a free agent in 2018, noting that the four-time MVP was “viewed as a savior for a struggling franchise,” rather than Buss and the Lakers receiving praise for acquiring him in Los Angeles.
A key point of contention mentioned in the article was the aftermath of the unsuccessful Russell Westbrook trade, which reportedly caused Buss to “privately bristle” due to James not taking responsibility for the decision to bring him on board.
The friction following the Westbrook situation was so significant that, according to several sources cited in Holmes’ article, Buss “privately contemplated” not extending James’ contract in 2022 and even considered the possibility of trading him to the Clippers.
James offered a different viewpoint when discussing his relationship with Buss.
“I thought it was good, but, you know, someone could see it differently,” James remarked. “There are always two sides to every story. … How I have represented this franchise, and what I aimed to do to represent this franchise since my arrival until now, has been with the utmost respect, honor, dignity, and I would say loyalty. I mean, s—, I have played here longer than nearly any other franchise I have been with besides Cleveland.”
James noted that he has not communicated with Buss since the article’s release but clarified that he has never had a relationship with a team owner where he would frequently reach out for one-on-one discussions. This includes Dan Gilbert in Cleveland and Mickey Arison in Miami.
The 41-year-old James, who has been featured in national media since he was 14, mentioned that he has grown accustomed to stories that delve into his life outside of basketball.
“I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest,” James stated. “Since I’ve been here, my eighth year here [in L.A.], and having been in this league for 23 years, there will always be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.
“Ultimately, when I joined this organization, my entire focus was on restoring excellence. The things I witnessed growing up with the Lakers — obviously, I didn’t have the chance to see the Showtime [era], but I understand the history. Then the early 2000s with Shaq [O’Neal] and Kobe [Bryant], and what Kobe accomplished during those runs with him and Pau [Gasol]. So, my entire mindset was about how to bring that feeling back to the Lakers organization. … I was able to achieve that along with, you know, 14, 16 other players by winning the championship and bringing it here. That has always been my focus.”
James joined the Lakers when the team was experiencing a five-year playoff drought.
L.A. did not qualify for the playoffs in his first season, 2018-19, but James publicly advocated for the team to trade for Anthony Davis, who was then with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The trade was finalized in the summer of 2019, and the Lakers subsequently won the championship in the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida, in October 2020 — dedicating the title to Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash that year.
The Lakers have reached the postseason in five of the six years since, advancing to the Western Conference finals in 2023 and winning the inaugural in-season tournament championship the following season.
“Honestly, I don’t really care about articles,” James reiterated. “I truly don’t. I don’t care about stories. I don’t care about podcasts and all that type of s—. Nah, they don’t affect me. I’m 41 years old, and I watch golf every day. I don’t care about an article. I don’t care how someone feels about me. If you know me personally and understand what I’m about, [my teammates] know what I’m about, and that’s all that matters. … I couldn’t care less how someone feels about me.”
Buss released a statement to The Athletic on Wednesday, responding to ESPN’s article.
“It’s really not fair, considering all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be dragged into my family drama,” she stated. “To claim that it wasn’t appreciated is simply untrue and completely unfair to him.”
Buss also updated her Instagram profile picture to a photo of her and James embracing after the 2020 championship victory.
Before the Clippers game, Lakers coach JJ Redick remarked that the entire team shares appreciation for James.
“Everyone in this organization values LeBron and acknowledges what he’s done for the Lakers,” Redick said. “He’s continued the legacy and, truthfully, the burden of being a superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers for eight years. And he’s done it with class.
“Personally, I can only speak to it. I’ve enjoyed coaching him at the highest level, like 10 out of 10. That’s not to say LeBron and I don’t have our disagreements, but I know with him, he’s going to invest everything into this, and it’s been fantastic to coach.”
Thursday also marked two weeks until the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5.
James, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, was asked if he wished to complete the season with the Lakers or if he would consider waiving the no-trade clause to explore a move to another team.
“I’m good,” James replied before leaving the locker room. “I’m good.”
