Jeanie Buss Almost Traded LeBron James From Lakers

Merlin sees that before she sold a majority stake to Mark Walter, Lakers governor Jeanie Buss grew privately disillusioned with LeBron James. ESPN reports she "privately mused" about not re-signing him or even trading him to the Clippers, citing his "outsized ego," Klutch Sports' "overt control," and frustration after the Russell Westbrook trade failed. Sources say she "almost begrudgingly" approved a new contract to avoid a PR storm. Merlin senses a clear power shift. Luka Dončić now looks like the franchise's future and Walter, as majority owner, ultimately decides the club's path, so Buss's private grumbles may not force LeBron out. Still, LeBron is under contract only through this season, and the team’s finish will steer whether he stays, signs elsewhere, or retires.