The relationship between LeBron James and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss appears more strained than previously known. In a new ESPN report by Baxter Holmes (Jan. 25, 2026), Buss privately felt LeBron should have been grateful when the Lakers used the 55th pick in the 2024 Draft on Bronny James – but she believed he showed no such appreciation.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Holmes wrote:
“When the Lakers drafted James’ son Bronny with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, Jeanie privately remarked that James should be grateful for such a gesture, but she felt that he wasn’t, people close to the team told ESPN. That summer, as she discussed a new contract for James, Jeanie seemed more resigned to the fact that they’d have to do it — almost begrudgingly accepting that they’d take a massive PR hit by not doing so.”
Bronny James: Limited Impact So Far Bronny has played 51 NBA games since being drafted, averaging 1.9 points in 6.8 minutes per game. He’s spent most of his time in the G League. While the pick was widely seen as a move to appease LeBron, Bronny’s production hasn’t justified it – adding to internal frustrations.
Tensions Traced Back to Westbrook Trade Holmes revealed further strain began after the 2021 Russell Westbrook trade (made to appease LeBron). The move backfired catastrophically: Lakers went 33-49 and missed the playoffs. LeBron was perceived as “washing his hands” of responsibility, blaming others – which reportedly left Buss “privately bristling” at his lack of accountability.
Westbrook’s Lakers tenure became a career low point: fan clashes, shifting roles, and eventual mid-season trade.
LeBron Could Leave Lakers in 2026 Free Agency LeBron is in year two of a two-year $101M deal – set to become an unrestricted free agent in summer 2026. On FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” DeMarcus Cousins predicted:
“Do I feel like he finishes his career in LA? I don’t. My gut tells me he finishes in Cleveland. I think it just makes sense. That’s where his story starts, obviously that’s where he’s from. I think that’d be the first team to hang his jersey up. It just makes sense for him to end his career in Cleveland.”
At 41, LeBron is nearing the end. Returning to Cleveland – where his story began and he won the 2016 title – would be a perfect full-circle moment, allowing him to retire without lingering Lakers tensions.
Lakers Shifting Focus to Luka Dončić The Lakers traded Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić – and are increasingly building around the 26-year-old (33.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 8.7 APG – MVP-level). LeBron remains productive (22.3 PPG, 6.9 APG), but his role is shifting to support. If LeBron leaves in 2026 (or retires), the transition to Luka becomes seamless.
Lakers Nation – do you see LeBron staying on a discount, returning to Cleveland, or retiring in 2026? Drop your thoughts below!