TheNBA’s biggest conversations rarely stay quiet for long, especially when the Lakers and LeBron James are involved. This week, a new report reopened old tensions in Los Angeles, pulling the spotlight back onto power, perception, and the complicated dynamics between legacy, influence, and family inside the league’s most famous franchise.
A story published by ESPN, written by Baxter Holmes, detailed a reportedly strained relationship between Jeanie Buss and LeBron James. According to the report, Buss privately felt James did not show enough appreciation after the Los Angeles Lakers selected his son, Bronny James, with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
LeBron James receives an “interesting” look from Candace Parker while venting to Dwyane Wade
The moment itself was historic. LeBron and Bronny became the first father and son to be active NBA players at the same time, a milestone celebrated across the league and media. But behind the scenes, Holmes’ reporting painted a more complicated picture, pointing to frustration over LeBron’s influence, his “outsized ego,” and the power Klutch Sports allegedly holds within the organization.
“Do you bow down and like kiss the ring and say, ‘Thank you I’m appreciative?… I’ve seen LeBron speak out how he’s appreciative of the organization for giving Bronny a chance…
Draymond Green steps into the conversation
That narrative did not sit well with Draymond Green. On Thursday’s episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Golden State Warriors forward addressed the report directly, focusing especially on the Bronny angle.
Green questioned the idea that LeBron owed some public display of gratitude. He pointed out that James has already spoken publicly about appreciating the Lakers for giving Bronny a chance, and added that Bronny’s rsum matters too. A former top high school recruit and USC guard, Bronny entered the draft with real basketball credentials.
“Also, Bronny did do some work. Bronny worked to become who he’s become as well. It’s not like this kid wasn’t a top recruit and didn’t play at a top college. Give Bronny some credit as well. Does LeBron being with the Lakers help Bronny get drafted there? Of course…
Green did not deny that LeBron’s presence helped Bronny’s path, but he rejected the idea that the younger James was simply handed a spot. His message was clear: access matters in the NBA, but so does the work.
The episode also touched on a separate situation involving Green’s hug with Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a recent game against the New York Knicks. After ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that some Knicks players were upset by the moment, Green brushed off the controversy, explaining his long personal and professional relationship with Brown, including three championship runs together from 2016 to 2022.
“If they’re gonna have to fire him over that, everybody need to be wiped out because because you will never win like that. If this is the issue, you’ll never win like that…
In typical NBA fashion, one report has now turned into multiple storylines, mixing legacy, loyalty, and influence into a larger conversation that extends far beyond a single draft pick. For Draymond Green, the message was simple: respect the history, respect the work, and don’t erase the effort behind the name.
