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LeBron James is in the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, with rumors on his uncertain future and potential retirement.
Jeanie Buss privately considered trading LeBron James in 2022, according to a report from ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.
The revelation is part of a broader ESPN story detailing the dysfunction within the Los Angeles Lakers organization prior to Mark Walter purchasing a majority stake in the franchise last year. The report paints a picture of a strained relationship between Buss and James that stretched over multiple years.
According to Holmes, Buss “privately mused” about not giving James a contract extension in 2022 and even floated the idea of trading him. The Los Angeles Clippers were mentioned as a possible landing spot.
The report also states that Buss “privately grumbled” about what she perceived as James’ “outsized ego” and the control that Klutch Sports Group—which represents both James and Anthony Davis—exerted over the Lakers organization.
Buss’ frustrations with James reportedly grew following the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade in 2021 and continued through the 2024 NBA draft when the Lakers selected LeBron’s son, Bronny James, with the 55th overall pick.
Why Jeanie Buss Considered Trading LeBron James
LeBron James, left, and Jeanie Buss of the Lakers
GettyLeBron James, left, and Jeanie Buss of the Lakers.
Buss’ issues with James date back to when he first signed with the Lakers in 2018.
According to the ESPN report, Buss did not like that James was considered a “savior” for the franchise when he arrived. She reportedly felt that James chose the Lakers rather than the organization’s leadership receiving credit for landing him.
Team sources told ESPN that James’ camp informed the Lakers as early as 2017 that he planned to join them when he became a free agent in 2018. Rather than viewing his arrival as a coup for the organization, Buss reportedly saw it as James making a decision that benefited his off-court interests in Los Angeles.
The relationship deteriorated further after the Westbrook trade in July 2021. The Lakers acquired Westbrook in an effort to appease James, but the move backfired catastrophically. Los Angeles went 33-49 and missed the playoffs during the 2021-22 season.
According to team sources cited by Holmes, Buss privately bristled at what she felt was James’ “lack of accountability” after the trade failed. She reportedly believed James shifted blame onto others rather than taking responsibility for pushing for the move.
It was in this context that Buss began considering her options. Multiple people told ESPN that Buss privately discussed not giving James a contract extension in 2022 and even floated the idea of trading him. The Clippers were mentioned as a potential destination, though no formal talks ever materialized.
This was before James received a no-trade clause in July 2024 as part of his new two-year, $104 million contract.
Jeanie Buss’ Frustration With Klutch Sports and LeBron’s Influence
Buss’ frustrations extended beyond James himself.
According to the ESPN report, Buss felt that Klutch Sports Group exerted too much control over the Lakers organization. Klutch represents both James and Anthony Davis, giving the agency significant influence over two of the team’s most important players.
Buss reportedly viewed this dynamic as problematic and believed it undermined her authority as team governor. The perception that James and Klutch wielded outsized power within the organization frustrated Buss, according to people close to the team.
That frustration was compounded by what Buss viewed as a lack of gratitude from James. When the Lakers drafted Bronny James with the 55th pick in the 2024 draft, Buss privately remarked that LeBron should be grateful for the gesture, but she felt he was not, according to the ESPN report.
The decision to draft Bronny was seen by many as a move designed to keep LeBron happy and ensure he remained with the franchise. But according to sources, Buss did not feel James appreciated the significance of the Lakers using a draft pick on his son.
Why Jeanie Buss Gave LeBron a New Contract Despite Her Frustrations
Despite her reported frustrations, Buss ultimately agreed to give James a new contract in 2024.
According to the ESPN report, Buss felt “resigned to the fact” that the Lakers would have to give James a new deal because of the negative PR that would surround the team if they did not. She “almost begrudgingly” agreed to the contract, sources told Holmes.
James signed a two-year, $104 million deal that included a no-trade clause.
Buss’ reluctance to extend James stands in stark contrast to how most organizations would view retaining a player of his caliber. But according to the ESPN report, Buss felt backed into a corner by the circumstances and agreed to the deal out of necessity rather than enthusiasm.
How Mark Walter’s Purchase Changed the Power Dynamic
Mark Walter purchased a majority stake in the Lakers last year, fundamentally altering the power structure within the organization.
Buss remains the team governor and still wields significant influence, but Walter has final say on major decisions as the majority owner. That shift has changed the dynamic between Buss and James.
Buss’ reported issues with James may no longer matter as much now that Walter controls the franchise. If Walter believes keeping James is in the best interest of the team, Buss’ personal feelings are secondary.
Walter’s leadership style and his willingness to spend money on the roster also differ from Buss’. Walter authorized major moves, including trades and signings, that have reshaped the Lakers’ roster. His approach suggests he is more focused on winning now than worrying about internal power struggles.
Luka Doncic’s Arrival Shifts the Lakers’ Focus
Luka Doncic, Lakers
GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade last season.
Doncic is now the clear future of the franchise. He leads the NBA in scoring with 33.5 points per game and has established himself as the team’s go-to player. When James missed the start of the 2025-26 season due to sciatica, Doncic carried the Lakers without issue.
For the first time since James joined the Lakers in 2018, it is no longer “his team.” Doncic is the present and the future, and the organization’s priorities have shifted accordingly.
That shift may also ease the tension between Buss and James. With Doncic leading the way, the Lakers are no longer as dependent on James. Whether James stays or leaves after this season may no longer be the franchise-defining decision it once was.
What This Means for LeBron’s Future With the Lakers
LeBron James
GettyLeBron James is in the final season of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James is signed through this season, but his future beyond that is uncertain.
He could opt out of his contract and sign elsewhere in free agency. He could also choose to retire at the age of 41. Or he could return to the Lakers for one more season alongside Doncic.
The ESPN report raises legitimate questions about whether James will remain in Los Angeles. Buss’ reported frustrations suggest the relationship has been strained for years, and while Walter’s purchase has changed the power dynamic, it is unclear whether James wants to remain in an organization where the team governor reportedly considered trading him.
For now, the Lakers are focused on this season. They are 26-16 and sit fifth in the Western Conference. With Doncic and James leading the way, Los Angeles is one of the handful of teams that could compete for a title in the West. But when the season ends, the decisions that James and the Lakers make will be influenced by years of tension that have only now come to light.