Los Angeles Lakers followers can breathe a sigh of reduction: there is not any backstage drama in Lakerland. Regardless of swirling rumors of a rift between Lakers president and proprietor Jeanie Buss and celebrity LeBron James, Buss not too long ago provided a compelling perspective on their sturdy relationship. At 40 years previous, James continues to defy Father Time, dominating the court docket with historic performances whereas protecting the Lakers in playoff competition. Buss’ newest feedback not solely have fun his unparalleled longevity but additionally put to relaxation any notions of rigidity, reaffirming their mutual respect as we transfer into 2025.
Hypothesis about discord flared up after the Luka Doncic commerce, with some suggesting James was overlooked of the loop or at odds with Buss and GM Rob Pelinka. Whispers grew louder amid the group’s postseason struggles since their 2020 title. But, a number of reviews, together with from The Athletic, have dismissed these claims, and Buss herself has stepped in to make clear.
Is LeBron able to name it quits?
Chatting with The Los Angeles Instances, she marveled at LeBron’s enduring greatness: “If there was a script author writing a script, you most likely would not have him enjoying this properly at this age-he’s unbelievable.” She’s right-most gamers his age have retired, however James is out right here rewriting historical past.
Take his latest 42-point, 17-rebound masterpiece towards the Warriors. That recreation made him solely the second participant over 40 to drop 40+ factors in a single night time, becoming a member of Michael Jordan in elite firm. It wasn’t simply stats-he took over when it mattered, proving he can nonetheless carry a group.
James’ historic run continues as Jeanie Buss debunks Lakers rigidity
Buss, who’s witnessed Lakers legends like Magic and Kobe, does not take this without any consideration. “He confirmed us within the Olympics he is the perfect participant on the earth,” she mentioned. “He can play nonetheless lengthy he needs to play. He has to determine.”
When requested about their relationship, Buss shut down the rumor mill: “I attempt to not hassle him. He is bought rather a lot going on-he’s a multimedia star. However he is aware of I’ve an open-door coverage. Anytime he needs to see me, he can.”
No rigidity there-just belief and house. LeBron echoed this sentiment when addressing the Doncic commerce: “What’s unsuitable with that? If I had any issues, I might have waived my no-trade clause and bought up out of right here.”
With a two-year, $101.4 million extension (and a no-trade clause) signed final summer season, James is dedicated, and Buss is not nudging him towards retirement. His latest triple-double towards the Celtics, orchestrating a crunch-time takeover, exhibits he is nonetheless working the sport at his tempo. So, how lengthy will he maintain going? As Buss sees it, that is completely as much as him-and proper now, he isn’t slowing down.
