Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was asked about a report published by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes on Wednesday, in which team governor Jeanie Buss at one point considered trading the future Hall of Famer.
LeBron James Downplays Reported Rift
Following the Lakers’ 112-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, James told reporters, “I’m good,” when asked if he wants to finish this season with the Purple and Gold.
Per Holmes, Buss thought about trading James to the Clippers in the summer of 2022 because she felt the four-time MVP had an “outsized ego” and that Klutch Sports, which represents him, gained “overt control” over the team.
Q from @DanWoikeSports: “Is this where you want to finish the season?”
A from LeBron James: “I’m good. I’m good. … I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/xsbOxnoKXV— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 23, 2026
Buss also “privately mused” about not offering James a contract extension that year. James, however, has signed two contract extensions with the Lakers since that offseason.
In July 2024, James signed a two-year, $101.36 million max contract with L.A. His deal includes a full no-trade clause and a $52.62 million player option for this season, which he exercised in June 2025.
James In Eighth Season With Lakers
James has never been traded in his 23-year NBA career.
Although there’ve been reports in the past that the Golden State Warriors were interested in acquiring James via trade, a deal never materialized between the two marquee franchises.
Considering James has been with the Lakers since 2018, it’s safe to say that he enjoys playing for the organization.
“I thought it was good, but, you know, somebody could see it another way,” James said Thursday, when asked about his partnership with Buss. “It’s always two sides of the coin. … How I represented this franchise, and what I wanted to do to represent this franchise since when I got here until now.
“It’s been with the utmost respect and honor and dignity. And I would say loyalty. I mean, s—t, I played here longer than pretty much any other franchise I played for besides Cleveland.
“I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest. Since I’ve been here, my eighth year here [in L.A.], been in this league 23 years, there’s [always going to] be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.”
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, James added that he “has not spoken to Buss since the story was published but explained that he has never had the type of relationship with a team owner where he would pick up the phone to talk one-on-one very often.”
