LeBron James Doubles Down: Noise About Me Isn’t My Problem
24 January 2026
LeBron James Shuts Down the Noise
LeBron James gave a brisk response to a recent ESPN report that touched on tensions within the Lakers’ ownership circle and his relationship with Jeanie Buss during his time in Los Angeles.
After a 112-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, James told reporters he doesn’t "care how others feel toward him" when asked about the story.
He added, "frankly, I don’t care about the reports. Since I’ve been here, this is my eighth season in LA, and after 23 years in this league, there will always be another article tomorrow, especially if it’s about me."
Shadows, Commerce, and the Lakers’ Next Chapter
The piece centered on family tensions within Buss’s circle that led to the sale of the Lakers to Mark Walter and suggested Buss had concerns about James, citing ego inflation and the influence of James and the Clutch Sports agency on the team’s affairs at times.
It also claimed Buss considered not offering James an extension or even trading him to the Clippers in 2022.
James stressed that he always viewed his relationship with Buss as good, but he acknowledged that interpretations can vary: "There are two sides to every coin. The way I represented this club, and what I set out to achieve since arriving, has always been with the utmost respect, loyalty, and dignity. I’ve played here longer than with any other team except Cleveland."
Despite some challenging moments, the Lakers’ partnership with James has, on balance, been fruitful. The team captured the 2020 title and has reached the playoffs in five of the last six seasons after a six-year gap between 2013-2014 and 2018-2019.
On February 7, 2023, James became the league’s all-time leading scorer during his stint with the Lakers, surpassing Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar’s long-standing mark from 1984.
The coming years will be telling as the Lakers navigate their future with James in the mix. He has a full no-trade clause, though his contract ends at season’s end, and the 41-year-old star has offered no clear signal about retirement, suggesting the finish could come closer than many expect.
As the Lakers chart a path forward—while continuing to contend around established talents—fans will watch how the team’s plans align with James’s enduring pursuit of excellence. And yes, the drama is delicious, but the box score will tell the real story every night.
Punchlines for the record: If you think the headlines are wild, wait for the postgame press conference—they’re basically a highlight reel of rumors. And remember: in the NBA, even the echoes bounce back as rebounds—so keep your popcorn handy, because the noise isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
