Jeanie Buss Once Considered Trading LeBron James: Inside the Strained Lakers Relationship and What It Means for LeBron’s Future

For years, LeBron James has been the face of the Los Angeles Lakers, but a new ESPN report reveals that his relationship with team governor Jeanie Buss has been far more complicated than fans ever realized. According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, Buss privately considered trading LeBron James in 2022, a stunning revelation that sheds new light on internal tensions within one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.

The report is part of a broader investigation into organizational dysfunction within the Lakers prior to Mark Walter’s purchase of a majority stake in the team last year. It paints a picture of a partnership between Buss and James that was marked by power struggles, frustration, and diverging visions for the franchise’s future.

Jeanie Buss Privately Considered Trading LeBron James

According to Holmes, Buss “privately mused” about not extending LeBron James’ contract in 2022 and even floated the idea of trading him outright. While no official trade talks materialized, the mere consideration of moving a player of LeBron’s stature sent shockwaves across the NBA world once the report surfaced.

The Los Angeles Clippers were reportedly mentioned internally as a potential destination, though sources emphasized the idea never progressed beyond private conversations. Still, the fact that Buss contemplated such a move underscores how strained the relationship had become behind the scenes.

At the time, James was still widely viewed as the franchise cornerstone, making Buss’ internal doubts all the more significant.

The Roots of the Tension Date Back to 2018

The ESPN report suggests that Buss’ frustrations with LeBron James date back to the moment he signed with the Lakers in 2018.

While James’ arrival was celebrated publicly as a franchise-altering event, Buss reportedly resented the narrative that portrayed LeBron as the “savior” of the Lakers. According to team sources, James’ camp informed the organization as early as 2017 that he planned to sign with Los Angeles in free agency.

Rather than viewing the signing as a victory for Lakers leadership, Buss reportedly felt that James chose Los Angeles primarily for off-court business opportunities, media exposure, and lifestyle benefits—diminishing the credit she believed the organization deserved.

This perception quietly shaped Buss’ view of James long before on-court issues emerged.

The Russell Westbrook Trade Was a Turning Point

The relationship deteriorated significantly following the infamous Russell Westbrook trade in July 2021.

The Lakers acquired Westbrook largely to appease James, who believed the former MVP would help push the team back into championship contention. Instead, the move proved disastrous. Los Angeles finished the 2021–22 season at 33–49, missed the playoffs entirely, and became one of the league’s biggest disappointments.

According to ESPN, Buss privately bristled at what she perceived as LeBron’s lack of accountability after the trade failed. She reportedly believed James pushed for Westbrook’s acquisition but deflected blame once the experiment collapsed.

It was during this period—amid organizational embarrassment and on-court failure—that Buss began privately weighing drastic options, including withholding a contract extension or trading LeBron James.

Frustration With Klutch Sports and LeBron’s Influence

Buss’ concerns extended beyond James himself and into his representation.

The ESPN report states that Buss felt Klutch Sports Group, which represents both LeBron James and Anthony Davis, wielded too much influence over Lakers decision-making. With the team’s two most important players tied to the same agency, Buss reportedly believed her authority as team governor was being undermined.

This perceived power imbalance became a persistent source of frustration. Buss was uncomfortable with the idea that James—and by extension Klutch—held outsized control over roster construction, trades, and long-term planning.

Drafting Bronny James Added Fuel to the Fire

Tensions reportedly resurfaced during the 2024 NBA Draft, when the Lakers selected Bronny James, LeBron’s son, with the 55th overall pick.

While the move was widely interpreted as a gesture designed to keep LeBron happy and secure his future with the team, Buss privately felt James did not show enough appreciation. According to ESPN, she remarked internally that LeBron “should be grateful” for the organization using a draft pick on his son.

Instead of strengthening their relationship, the Bronny decision appeared to deepen existing resentment.

Why Buss Still Agreed to LeBron’s 2024 Contract

Despite years of frustration, Buss ultimately agreed to re-sign LeBron James in July 2024, granting him a two-year, $104 million contract with a no-trade clause.

According to Holmes, Buss felt “resigned to the fact” that refusing to extend James would create a public relations nightmare for the franchise. She reportedly “almost begrudgingly” approved the deal, believing the backlash from fans, media, and sponsors would outweigh her personal objections.

This decision stands in stark contrast to how most franchises treat a superstar of LeBron’s magnitude. Yet behind closed doors, the extension was viewed less as a celebration and more as an unavoidable necessity.

Mark Walter’s Ownership Changes Everything

The power dynamic within the Lakers shifted dramatically when Mark Walter purchased a majority stake in the franchise.

While Buss remains the team governor, Walter now has final authority over major basketball decisions. His leadership style—marked by aggressive spending and a win-now mentality—differs significantly from Buss’ more cautious approach.

As a result, Buss’ personal frustrations with LeBron may no longer carry the same weight. If Walter believes retaining James serves the franchise’s competitive and commercial interests, those decisions can override internal tensions.

Luka Dončić Becomes the New Face of the Lakers

The Lakers’ blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks fundamentally altered the team’s future.

Dončić now leads the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game and has clearly become the franchise’s centerpiece. When LeBron missed the start of the 2025–26 season due to sciatica, Dončić carried the team without hesitation.

For the first time since 2018, this is no longer LeBron’s team.

The shift has reduced the organization’s dependence on James and may have eased internal pressure. With Dončić firmly established, the Lakers can afford to view LeBron’s future with greater flexibility.

What This Means for LeBron James’ Lakers Future

LeBron James is currently in the final season of his contract, and his future remains uncertain.

He has several options:

• Opt out and become a free agent

• Retire at age 41

• Return to the Lakers for one final season

• Potentially explore a reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers

The ESPN report raises legitimate questions about whether James wants to remain with an organization where the team governor once considered trading him. While Mark Walter’s ownership may have stabilized the situation, years of tension cannot be erased overnight.

For now, the Lakers remain focused on competing. They sit 26–16, fifth in the Western Conference, and are legitimate playoff contenders with Dončić and James leading the way.

But once the season ends, LeBron’s decision—retirement, free agency, or return—will be shaped by more than basketball. It will be influenced by years of unresolved tension that are only now coming into public view.

One thing is certain: LeBron James’ future with the Lakers is no longer guaranteed—and the end of an era may be closer than it appears.