LeBron James is not interested in revisiting old feelings. Or anyone else’s.
After the Lakers’ road loss to the Clippers on Thursday, LeBron addressed ESPN’s recent report detailing tension between him and team governor Jeanie Buss and made it clear he believes his mission in Los Angeles is already complete.
“At the end of the day, when I came to this organization, my whole mindset was about restoring excellence,” James said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “How can I get that feeling back to the Lakers organization? … I was able to do that. We won a championship. That’s always been my mindset.”
James pushed back on the idea that his tenure should be judged through the lens of internal politics or front-office drama.
“I don’t really care about the reports, to be honest,” he said. “There’s always going to be another article tomorrow, especially involving me.”
He also defended how he carried himself during his time with the franchise.
“How I represented this franchise … it’s been with the utmost respect and honor and dignity,” James said. “And loyalty.”
Now 41, James made it clear he is not losing sleep over perception.
“I don’t care about articles. I don’t care how somebody feels about me,” he said. “If you know me personally, that’s all that matters.”
Buss responded publicly, saying it was unfair to drag James into family matters and reaffirming appreciation for what he has meant to the organization. Coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment, calling it a privilege to coach him.
As for trade speculation?
“I’m good,” James said. “I’m good.”
Simple. Direct. Unbothered.
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