Lebron James Has been one of the most important players for the Lakers over the past few seasons, but reports suggest that the franchise almost traded the basketball legend in 2022. In 2024, the LA Lakers signed James’ son, Bronny James, to the same team as his legendary father. However, behind the scenes, there was a different story to tell as existing tensions between management and James deepened.
Report suggests Lakers are considering trading LeBron James in 2022
Lakers management almost sold their star player, Lebron JamesBack in 2022. As ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reports, Lakers governor and minority owner Jenny Buss reportedly felt the franchise made too much effort to accommodate James.
However, according to Buss, the basketball legend never fully returned the favor as she expected from him. Sources close to the team told espn Buss expected James “to be grateful” for his son being drafted by the franchise. However, Buss believes that James did not express his gratitude as adequately as he hoped.
The franchise tried everything possible to include James’ son Bronny in the team, even when the odds were against him. According to Holmes, the organization did this as a symbolic gesture towards their star player, who was nearing the end of his career. However, unspoken tensions extended beyond the draft. Holmes noted that in 2022, Buss privately considered trading James to the LA Clippers.
Reportedly, Buss and the franchise also discussed a trade scenario involving the LA Clippers, underscoring how strained his equation with James had become. Furthermore, the ill-fated Russell Westbrook experiment worsened the relationship. Despite increasing tensions off the court, James remained the face of the franchise to the media and Lakers fans.
He led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA Championship and remains an integral part of the team’s success even in his early forties. In 2024, the Lakers and James signed a no-trade contract, meaning they cannot trade him to another team without his permission. According to the ESPN article, Buss accepted it “almost reluctantly”, as he was aware of the public reaction it would have if he traded the team’s star player.
Originally reported by Anvay Mane Mandatory.