Jeanie Buss has apparently heard the rumblings from critics that the Lakers should consider trading superstar LeBron James after a botched roster job contributed to a losing season and failed playoff aspirations.
Buss, the franchise’s famed president, reportedly isn’t jumping to make rash decisions
If James ultimately decides against more seasons with the Lakers — he’s up for a contract extension Aug. 4 — Buss wouldn’t see his desire to play out the final season of his contract as a reason to consider trading him, according to The Athletic.
The news comes a week after Bleacher Report reported the Lakers front office is internally blaming James and Anthony Davis for their failed Russell Westbrook experiment. The organization reportedly felt pressure from Klutch Sports Group, which represents both James and Davis, for the blockbuster trade that landed them Westbrook.
James reportedly had a heavy hand in recruiting Westbrook, who had one of his worst offensive seasons in his debut campaign with the Lakers. After the Lakers were eliminated from playoff contention on April 5, Westbrook said he planned to return to Los Angeles next season, but that remains to be seen.
In 2019, it was reported that Lakers owner Jeanie Buss contemplated trading James because she is “furious,” with James’ agent, Rich Paul. Those rumors have come back to haunt Lakers fans, with a few media personalities backing the idea of moving James.
On ESPN’s “First Take” this week, host Stephen A. Smith said he believes the Lakers should “strongly consider trading” the 37-year-old superstar.
Smith isn’t alone in the idea, either. In February, Los Angeles Times sports columnist Ben Plaschke suggested the Lakers “must trade” James, writing that although it “sounds crazy, it’s the best path…