“Jeanie Buss Looked Me in My Face” – Evidence of LeBron James’ Controlling Lakers Business Gets Dug Up on Live TV

Darvin Ham was recently let go by the Los Angeles Lakers. While serving as head coach for two seasons, he received criticism from certain players and fans alike. Now, the search is on for a new instructor, with several former HCs and current assistant coaches being considered as possible contenders for the position. Given the influence that lead scorer LeBron James holds in the franchise, many fans expect him to play an active part in the coach-hunting process. However, a recent report seems to have disproven this rumor.

A few days ago, renowned NBA reporter Shams Charania appeared on a segment of FanDuel TV’s ‘Run It Back.’ During the same, he revealed that LeBron James has made it clear that he is in no way involved in the search for the next Lakers coach. This official report comes just as former NBA player JJ Redick, who LeBron shares a podcast with, was reported to have been a top contender for the position. Charania further stated, “LeBron James has made it clear that this is the organization’s decision. He’s had no conversations with the Lakers about JJ Redick. He’s had no conversations with JJ about that position, as well.”

This report was something that prominent ESPN sportscaster Stephen A. Smith found hard to swallow. Taking the topic up during a segment of ‘First Take’, he stated that if LeBron can allegedly have “something to do with the firing of coaches”, he can certainly be a part of the vice versa. Furthermore, this inaction was not what Lakers owner Jeanie Buss had promised the 56-year-old host. “When you’re LeBron James, when you’re that great and you’re that impactful with that level of cash shape, when you play for an owner in Jeanie Buss, who looked me in my face and told me personally …. her number one priority was making sure that LeBron James is happy,” Smith said, adding, “You got to take all of those things into consideration and ask ‘What does that equate to?’”

Reportedly, LeBron James had several disagreements with Darvin Ham during his tenure as Head Coach. According to Lakers Daily reporter Andrew Irvin, the player would join his teammates in huddles and would often “roll his eyes” whenever Ham was passing out instructions. Once the latter was out of earshot, LeBron would exclaim “f**k all that” and then hand out his own instructions. Given this situation, several people expect the next head coach to be someone who can have a proper working relationship with the All-Time NBA Scorer. And that is why JJ Redick, who has zero coaching experience to his name, is being considered as a top prospect. Removing himself from the decision-making, the player may be diverting attention away from his “podcast partner”.

‘Lakers Nation’ journalist believes that Anthony Davis, not LeBron James, will influence who becomes head coach

While the NBA world questioned whether LeBron James will or will not influence who becomes head coach, Lakers Nation reporter Trevor Lane presented an alternate theory. He believed that picking the Head Coach is a long-term decision that needs to be taken without considering LeBron. After all, the player may choose to either retire or exit the franchise within the next few seasons. Once that occurs, the roster will have to be rebuilt around center Anthony Davis.

“Maybe we should be talking more about ‘Who does Anthony Davis want’? Because it’s clear that we are shifting the focus at an organizational level towards AD being the guy,” said Lane, continuing, “We’re transitioning into this being Anthony Davis’s team. He’s their best player. And so, finding pieces that fit AD, including the coach, is going to be more and more of a concern”.

Who do you think will be the final pick for the Lakers’ head coach position? Let us know in the comments down below.