Jeanie Buss has moved quickly to reject claims of a growing rift with NBA star LeBron James, insisting the Lakers star has been unfairly dragged into internal family issues.
The Lakers president responded after a report suggested she had grown frustrated with James’ influence inside the organisation.
Within hours, Buss released a statement that reframed the narrative and defended the franchise’s most high-profile player.
“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, in comments reported by The Athletic.
“To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
Report sparks swift response
The original report claimed Buss had privately raised concerns about James’ “ego and attitude” and the level of influence exerted by his inner circle. It also suggested tension around the Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James in 2024.
Buss did not address those claims individually. Instead, she pushed back on the framing of the story and separated James from the issues facing the organisation.
Her response made clear where she believes the real tension sits.
‘Family drama’
Buss’ reference to “family drama” points to recent upheaval inside the Lakers’ ownership structure.
Last year, the Buss family sold the franchise to a group led by Mark Walter in a deal valued at $10 billion. Jeanie Buss retained her position as president, while her brothers Joey and Jesse Buss lost their roles within the organisation.
That decision led to a public rift.
In a separate interview with The Athletic, Jesse Buss revealed he had not spoken to his sister or Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka for months.
“Oftentimes within the organization, it kind of felt like I was being treated like I was working against them,” Jesse Buss said.
“And, I guess you could say, like an enemy. But the only thing I ever wanted was the most success for this team.”
Asked whether the restructuring deepened the divide with his sister, he added:
“I couldn’t answer that question. I think that’s something you’d have to ask Jeanie.”
LeBron keeps out of internal dispute
LeBron James has not commented publicly on the report or Buss’ response.
Buss’ statement appears designed to draw a clear line between basketball matters and family tensions at ownership level. Her message focused on correcting what she views as a misdirected narrative.
For now, Buss has made her stance clear. Whatever friction exists inside the Lakers organisation, she insists it does not centre on LeBron James.
