LeBron James achieved his longtime goal of playing alongside his son after the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bronny James in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, but the move reportedly caused internal tension. According to ESPN, former controlling owner Jeanie Buss privately felt LeBron should have been more appreciative of the gesture.
Bronny entered the draft with limited college experience at USC after suffering cardiac arrest in 2023 and has made only a modest impact in the NBA, averaging 1.9 points per game across 51 appearances. Despite LeBron’s continued high-level play at age 41 and his key role in the Lakers’ 2020 championship, Buss had previously considered not extending his contract or even trading him to the Los Angeles Clippers before ultimately signing him to a no-trade extension in 2024.
The Lakers were sold in October to billionaire Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation, with the Buss family retaining a minority stake and Jeanie Buss remaining governor. On the court, Los Angeles improved to 26–16 after a win over the Denver Nuggets and is set to face the Clippers next.