A recent article from ESPN reveals some intriguing details about the Buss family’s internal conflicts, highlighting that Jeanie Buss once “privately mused” about trading LeBron James in 2022 and offered him a contract extension in 2024, albeit reluctantly.
Question: If LeBron James continues playing next season, will it influence his return to the Lakers?
Not likely. Ultimately, James will prioritize what’s best for him.
We’ve seen plenty of that throughout his lengthy career. When he made the move from Cleveland to Miami in 2010, Cavs fans were outraged, even burning his jersey. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert penned an open letter to fans expressing how they didn’t deserve such a betrayal.
Could that have stopped James from returning to Cleveland in 2014? Certainly not. Did it hold him back from leading the team to its first championship in 2016? Nope.
Comparatively, any grievances from Buss regarding James seem trivial next to Gilbert’s glaring criticisms. The key takeaway? James has been in Los Angeles for eight years now—his longest stint anywhere. It seems he genuinely enjoys living there.
His daughter, Zuri, goes to school at Sierra Canyon, and his wife has established her own connections in the city. Leaving seems unlikely, especially if James believes they can vie for a championship with Luka Doncic.
So, Buss’ reported issues with James probably won’t affect his decision at all.
Question: Should the Lakers want James back for another season?
That’s kind of a tough call.
James is still performing at a high level, averaging 22.5 points with a 51% shooting rate, alongside six rebounds and seven assists. His team, the Lakers, sits fifth in the Western Conference with a 26-16 record. There’s a budding chemistry between him and Doncic, and James is ready to adapt his game to align better with Doncic’s style.
But here’s the catch: James is making $52.6 million this season. It’s hard to imagine he’d accept anything less, which complicates the Lakers’ plans, especially since they’re focused on building a team around the 26-year-old Doncic.
To make matters trickier, James will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Austin Reeves is expected to demand a salary over $30 million after his standout season. And, don’t forget—Doncic recently signed a hefty contract extension worth up to $165 million.
Something in those numbers has to yield. If James signs again, he may have to take a pay cut, similar to what Dirk Nowitzki did later in his career with the Mavericks. Whether James is okay with that remains to be seen.
Question: How has Luka Doncic been affected by this situation?
Honestly, Doncic has his own drama, moving from Dallas to Los Angeles last February. So, I’d guess he’s more relieved to be out of the spotlight for once.
He doesn’t let teammates’ issues distract him, even when it’s all happening around him.
After what was considered a shocking trade, Doncic faced a lot of scrutiny regarding his fitness and defensive play. He came into this season in top shape, currently leading the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game. For him, it’s all about winning a championship—everything else is just background noise.
Question: What does this story mean for the Lakers for the rest of the season?
This narrative doesn’t really impact the Lakers moving forward.
The real questions revolve around whether James plans to retire. That’s the distraction.
If James opts not to retire, who would want a season filled with his farewell tour? Would the Lakers really want that, especially if they have a genuine shot at competing for a title with Doncic on board? James is often seen as one of the greatest in basketball history, alongside legends like Michael Jordan, and how his career concludes will certainly be a significant story—both for him and the team he’s with at that time.
Question: What influence do Rich Paul and Klutch Sports have over the Lakers?
Less than they used to, that’s for sure.
When James arrived in Los Angeles in 2018, he and Klutch Sports wielded considerable power. James played a crucial role in convincing Anthony Davis to request a trade from New Orleans to the Lakers in 2019, which led them to a championship in 2020.
He also advocated for the Lakers to acquire Russell Westbrook in 2021, sometimes at the expense of crucial players from their championship roster. After the team missed the playoffs in 2022, he pushed for trading Westbrook, and they eventually moved on, revamping the squad to make a stronger playoff run.
However, everything shifted in February when the Lakers made a surprising trade for Doncic, a move James wasn’t even aware of. This was an early indication of his declining influence.
Now, with the sale of the majority ownership to Mark Walter, it seems James’ sway will diminish even more. Walter doesn’t owe any loyalty to James, he’s all about making the best moves for the team.
Question: Is trading LeBron a viable option this season?
Not at all.
James carries a no-trade clause from the two-year, up to $104 million contract extension he signed in July 2024. Unless he chooses to go, he’s not moving this season.
Will this story affect how the Lakers are perceived around the league?
No.
Since Jerry Buss passed away in 2013, the Lakers have been caught up in family drama—this isn’t new. And honestly, that drama is losing its significance. After selling the franchise for $10 billion, Jeanie Buss stands as the only one of Jerry’s heirs still in a leadership position. What really matters for the league is that Doncic and James are with the Lakers, making them a formidable presence in the West.
That’s the bottom line.
Why is this story emerging now?
Good question.
We’re at the halfway mark of the season, and with the trade deadline on February 5th just two weeks away, the timing is pretty intriguing, to say the least.
