After the match lost against the LA Clippers (read the story of the game), LeBron James spoke at length about the moment of Los Angeles Lakersfocusing on the comeback that faded at the end, on the imminent return of Austin Reaves, and above all on the report published by ESPN relating to his relationship with the owners before the sale of the yellow-purple franchise.
The comment of Chosen One it was direct: no diplomacy, no denials, but the reaffirmation of the results obtained and of his role in the rebirth of the franchise.
đź‘‘ LeBron James: “With Jeanie a great partnership”
Down 26 midway through the third quarter, the Lakers came back to within 2, before surrendering in the final possessions. Speaking to reporters in the Intuit Dome locker room, LeBron James he summarized the turning point thus: «In attack we started to score, in defense we increased the intensity. We forced them to lose some balls and we managed to run.» But there was a lack of clarity at the end: «We missed good shots. They put a couple of them. Sometimes that’s how it goes.”
Then the hot topic: the report Baxter Holmes on ESPNwhich reconstructs years of internal friction, especially before the sale. The four-time MVP remained in control, but didn’t shy away from hitting key points: «I’m not interested in reports. I’ve been here for eight years, in the League for 23 years… There will always be another article that will come out the next day. When I arrived my goal was to bring back excellence. What I saw as a child with Shaq and Kobe, with Kobe and Pau. How can I give that feeling back to the Lakers?
…and I did it by winning the title together with the other guys. This has always been my mindset.”
Then he reinforces the concept: “Frankly, I don’t care about articles, podcasts, stories or any of that shit… I’m 41 and I watch golf every day, I don’t care about articles or what people think of me. If you really know me, you know who I am. My teammates know it. The rest doesn’t matter.”
To the more direct question — “How is your relationship with Jeanie?” — the approach was almost notarial: «I think it was good, but others may see it differently. I have represented this franchise with respect, honor, dignity and loyalty. I played almost eight seasons, only in Cleveland did I play more…”
And then the part that shocks those who imagine daily relationships: «We never talk. It’s not like I’m on the phone with Jeanie. I don’t think we’ve ever heard of something like this, let’s not create a case that doesn’t exist. There’s always been mutual respect, it’s always been a great partnership. But I don’t hear Jeanie on the phone, any more than I used to call Micky Arison or Dan Gilbert [gli owner di Heat e Cavaliers, NDR]. Come on guys, don’t do it — I don’t care.”
James’ first comment on the ESPN article comes just a few minutes after his public reply Jeanie Buss through The Athleticin which he defined it as “unfair” to involve James in the family dynamics of the transfer and reiterated his appreciation for what the yellow and purple number 23 has done.
🤪 LeBron James: «They’re all crazy»
When asked about the trade deadline, LeBron smiled — literally: «You say I keep the cards? …Yes, I keep them.» But without moving on to LeGM Mode: «We miss our All-Star (Austin Reaves). We have never been fully booked. It would be disrespectful to the guys to talk about upcoming moves or what’s needed. I’m trying not to play too much fantasy basketball.”
On the immediate future — “Do you want to finish the season at the Lakers?” – he said: “I am fine. I am fine.” Then he closed the interview by highlighting the print on his sweatshirt: “They’re all crazy.” A rhyme to the podcast Everybody’s Crazy” hosted by his wife Savannah with April McDaniel.
No fire, no denials, no “no comments” — but rather a statement of legacy: LeBron James sees his mission at the Lakers already accomplished. The rest, including the deadline, remains suspended in his words.
đź“… Next Game
I Los Angeles Lakers they return to the field in the night (2.30 🇮🇹) between Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January to face the Dallas Mavericks allo American Airlines Center.
On the cover: LeBron James during the match between the Clippers and the Lakers on January 22, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. (Credit: Adam Pantozzi, NBAE via Getty Images)
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LeBron James he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbarbecoming the leading scorer in NBA history. Read the articles dedicated to the record of the four-time MVP written by the LakeShow Italia editorial team:
