A brand new ESPN report reveals an surprising chapter in Los Angeles Lakers historical past: former controlling proprietor Jeanie Buss as soon as thought of buying and selling LeBron James — and the Los Angeles Clippers had been floated as a doable vacation spot. The dialogue reportedly occurred in 2022, after a turbulent interval in Lakers decision-making. Buss finally didn’t pull the set off, however the revelation reveals simply how far inner considering as soon as drifted.
LeBron joined the Lakers in 2018, ending a free-agency chase and serving to carry a 2020 NBA title to Los Angeles. Over time, he grew to become one of the influential figures in franchise historical past. But in response to insiders, Buss ultimately grew resentful of how the narrative developed round his tenure.
Friction After Westbrook Commerce Fueled Pressure
The stress reportedly intensified after the Russell Westbrook commerce in 2021. That deal, made partly to fulfill LeBron’s preferences, didn’t ship the anticipated outcomes. The Lakers missed the playoffs that season, and Buss reportedly “bristled” at what she noticed as LeBron’s “lack of accountability” relating to how that roster experiment unfolded.
Sources say that within the fallout, Buss privately mentioned a number of choices, together with not providing LeBron a contract extension and even exploring a commerce away from the Lakers, with the Clippers talked about as a doable touchdown spot. Whereas this discuss by no means became a proper provide or negotiation, the thought alone surprised many across the league.
Different Sources Level to Strained Relations
Extra reporting means that Buss’s frustration didn’t finish with the Westbrook saga. When the Lakers drafted LeBron’s son, Bronny James, within the second spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft, Buss reportedly anticipated extra gratitude for the transfer. She privately felt that LeBron didn’t categorical sufficient appreciation for what she noticed as a big gesture by the group.
That type of sentiment provides context to why a commerce thought was even floated. As we speak, LeBron is in his eighth season with the Lakers, one of many longest tenures of his profession. He stays a central determine at 41 years outdated, placing up sturdy numbers and anchoring the staff’s offense.
