The Los Angeles Lakers are no strangers to headlines, but the latest storm brewing in L.A. is shaking the franchise from the top down. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes dropped a bombshell feature detailing the infighting within the Buss family that ultimately led to the historic $10 billion sale of controlling interest in the team to billionaire Mark Walter (Dodgers owner and founder of Guggenheim Partners) late last year. The piece peeled back layers of family drama, sibling rivalries, and behind-the-scenes tensions that pushed Jeanie Buss—longtime governor and driving force behind the sale—to relinquish majority control while staying on as governor.
Jul 13, 2019; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers team owner Jeannie Buss looks on from her office during an introductory press conference for Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (not pictured) at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
But the real firestorm erupted from revelations about Buss’s reportedly soured relationship with superstar LeBron James. Sources told Holmes that Buss privately grumbled about James’ “outsized ego,” the heavy influence of his agency Klutch Sports (led by Rich Paul, who reps both LeBron and Anthony Davis), and a perceived lack of gratitude—especially after the Lakers drafted his son Bronny James with the 55th pick in 2024. The report even claimed Buss considered trading LeBron as far back as 2022 in the fallout from the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade (which James reportedly pushed for) and mused about not extending him in recent years. Klutch’s sway over roster moves was highlighted as a point of frustration.
The story sent shockwaves through Lakers Nation and the NBA world, especially with LeBron in what could be his final season (he’s 41, still elite but the clock is ticking). It painted a picture of internal discord that could impact everything from team morale to future decisions.
Jeanie Buss wasted no time responding. In a statement to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, she pushed back hard, focusing on protecting James from the fallout:
“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,” Buss said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Notably, Buss didn’t outright deny the broader claims about tensions or influence—she zeroed in on defending LeBron’s contributions and calling the characterization “completely unfair.” LeBron’s agent Rich Paul also fired back bluntly in responses circulating online, dismissing aspects of the narrative. The non-denial on other points has only fueled more speculation: Is there lingering friction? How does this affect LeBron’s future in L.A.?
On the court, the Lakers are holding steady amid the noise. As of mid-January 2026, they’re sitting at 26-16 (.619 winning percentage), good for 5th in the Western Conference (behind teams like Houston and Detroit in some standings views). They’ve been competitive with a mix of LeBron’s leadership, Anthony Davis’ dominance, and solid contributions from the roster under coach JJ Redick. But recent struggles (a mixed bag in early January) have them hovering around playoff positioning, with the February 5 trade deadline looming and All-Star Weekend at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome starting February 13—right in L.A.’s backyard.
This controversy couldn’t come at a worse time. With LeBron potentially playing his last games in purple and gold, every post-game question will now include Buss, the report, or Klutch. Buss might face mounting calls for an on-camera interview to clear the air, while the team focuses on climbing the West standings. The new ownership under Walter brings stability and resources, but these headlines remind everyone: the Lakers’ drama is never just business—it’s personal, passionate, and always under the spotlight.
Lakers fans, buckle up. The second half of 2025-26 is shaping up to be as chaotic off the court as it is competitive on it. Will this blow over, or is it the start of more turbulence in Laker Land? One thing’s clear: the Showtime never really ends in Los Angeles.