LeBron James waved off a report from earlier this week that team governor Jeanie Buss grew frustrated with the Los Angeles Lakers star following the team's acquisition of Russell Westbrook in July 2021.
"Quite frankly, I don't get involved in that or the reports, whatever the case may be," James said Thursday after the Lakers' 112-104 loss to the Clippers, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "I've seen a lot of it, obviously, but I don't really care about the reports, to be honest. You guys know me, know since I've been here - my eighth year here, been in this league 23 years - it's going to be another article tomorrow, especially involving me."
He added, "When I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence and the things that I've seen growing up with the Lakers. ... 'How can I get that feeling back to the Lakers organization?' When the Lakers and the Knicks and Bulls and Celtics are good, it's great. And I was able to do that, along with 14, 16 other guys winning a championship."
Buss, then still the controlling owner of the franchise, reportedly believed James lacked accountability as the Lakers struggled following Westbrook's signing. At one point in the following year, she apparently considered trading James to the Clippers. She also reportedly felt the 21-time All-Star wasn't sufficiently grateful for the team drafting his son Bronny with the 55th overall pick in 2024.
Buss rebuffed the reports, calling them "completely unfair" to James and denying that the draft decision wasn't appreciated.
The Lakers star added Thursday that he isn't fazed by anyone's personal feelings about him outside of those closest to him and his teammates.
"I don't really about care about articles," James said. "I really don't. I don't care about stories. I don't care about podcasts and all that type of shit. It don't bother me.
"I'm 41 years old and I watch golf every day. ... I don't care how somebody feels about me. If you know me personally, then you know what I'm about. These guys know what I'm about and that's all that matters. I couldn't care less how someone feels about me."
