In a week defined by seismic shifts for the Los Angeles Lakers, governor Jeanie Buss has officially broken her silence to refute explosive claims regarding her relationship with superstar LeBron James. The denial comes just days after a bombshell ESPN report alleged Buss felt James was "ungrateful" following the team's decision to draft his son, Bronny James, in 2024. This personal controversy has erupted against the backdrop of a historic Lakers $10 billion sale to Dodgers owner Mark Walter, a move reportedly precipitated by years of intense Buss family infighting.

Jeanie Buss Refutes 'Ungrateful' Narrative

The sports world was set ablaze this week when ESPN's Baxter Holmes reported that Jeanie Buss had privately expressed frustration with LeBron James, allegedly feeling he lacked gratitude for the franchise's "gesture" of drafting his son, Bronny. The report further claimed Buss had previously "mused" about trading the 41-year-old icon, even floating the Los Angeles Clippers as a potential destination in 2022.

Buss, however, wasted little time in shutting down the narrative. In a statement to The Athletic, the Lakers governor called the claims "just not true" and expressed regret that the team's captain was being dragged into her family's internal disputes. "It's really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into this family drama," Buss stated, effectively drawing a line in the sand. Her defense of James highlights a critical need for stability as the franchise navigates its new ownership era.

Inside the $10 Billion Sale to Mark Walter

While the LeBron drama grabbed headlines, the structural transformation of the franchise is the true earthquake. The Lakers $10 billion sale to Mark Walter, which officially closed in late October 2025, marks the end of the Buss family's sole dominion over the team. Walter, who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, now holds the majority stake, though Jeanie Buss remains the team's governor.

Buss Family Infighting Exposed

The sale wasn't just a business decision; it was the culmination of a decade-long power struggle. Reports indicate that the Buss family infighting reached a boiling point in 2025. Jeanie's younger brothers, Joey and Jesse Buss, reportedly pushed to sell a minority stake to retain family control. However, Jeanie, concerned about the franchise's ability to compete financially against billionaire-owned "super teams," opted for the full majority sale to Walter.

The fallout has been swift and brutal. As part of the transition, Jeanie's five siblings—Joey, Jesse, Jim, Johnny, and Janie—were reportedly fired or removed from their roles within the organization, leaving Jeanie as the last Buss standing in the front office. This "Succession"-style drama has fundamentally reshaped the hierarchy of the NBA's most glamorous franchise.

Luka, LeBron, and the New Era

The timing of this boardroom chaos is precarious, given the Lakers' on-court reality. The team is currently 5th in the Western Conference with a 26-16 record, trying to maximize a championship window that now features a "Big Three" of LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luka Dončić. Since acquiring Dončić in the blockbuster trade with Dallas in February 2025, the Lakers have struggled to find the perfect defensive balance around their stars.

With Lakers ownership news 2026 dominating the cycle, the pressure is on the front office to prove that the sale to Walter will translate to immediate on-court success. The friction between the "ungrateful" rumors and the reality of the roster suggests a franchise trying to reconcile its loyalties to its past (LeBron) with its commitment to its future (Luka).

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Hunting for Defense

Despite the internal turmoil, the Lakers are active in the trade market as the February deadline approaches. NBA trade rumors Lakers sources suggest the front office is aggressively looking for defensive reinforcements to pair with Dončić and James. The team's defensive rating has slipped to 24th in the league, a stat that threatens their title aspirations.

Insiders point to New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones and Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga as primary targets. Jones, widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, would provide the exact skillset the Lakers are currently missing. Meanwhile, Kuminga's athleticism could inject much-needed youth into an aging rotation. With Mark Walter's deep pockets now backing the team, the Lakers may be more willing than ever to make a splashy move to secure another banner before LeBron hangs up his sneakers.