The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a hot start this season. Even without LeBron James, the team was firing on all cylinders, asserting itself as a top contender in the Western Conference. While they haven’t fallen apart by any means, the shine has worn off a bit as the All-Star break nears.

Sitting at 26-16 and in fifth place in the conference, JJ Redick‘s squad has some things to iron out on the court. While basketball should be the main focus, off-court distractions have now entered the fold. An explosive report about former owner Jeanie Buss‘ fallout with her family, LeBron James and the organization as a whole has rattled the franchise.

According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, who published the report, James had fallen out of favor in Buss’ eyes due to a lack of postseason success over the past few years. That was aside from the controversial revealing of Buss’ power struggle with her own family following the death of Lakers owner Jerry Buss in 2023. Jeanie Buss and her family ended up selling their majority stake in the franchise in 2025.

Jeanie Buss doesn’t deny claims about LeBron James fallout

Wanting to clear the air, Buss came out with a statement following the release of the report. While she laments James being brought into controversy, she didn’t outright deny the claims that the original article makes about her positive feelings towards James diminishing over the years.

LeBron is yet to make a statement on the matter, and probably won’t if he doesn’t have to. James isn’t one for external drama, and has generally chosen to put his attention on basketball only. That won’t change now, most likely.