Lakers’ owner Jeanie Buss opens up about her dinner with LeBron James back in March 2019; praises him to the hilt for his leadership skills
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LeBron James has been nothing short of phenomenal for the LA Lakers this season. After he was sidelined for a part of the season last year due to his groin injury, he has bounced back stronger.
The Lakers are back in the playoffs and have clinched their first Finals berth since 2010. LBJ hopes to lead the Lakers to their 17th NBA Championship, to tie Celtics for the most championships by a franchise.
Everyone related to the Lakers organization is appreciative of LeBron and Jeanie Buss is no exception.
“LeBron James can call out hypocrisy”: Jeanie Buss
In a recent interview, she pointed out how LeBron James has led the Lakers in being a championship contender once again. She highlighted how he has emerged as a leader who everyone loves to follow, someone who can call people out for their bad bits and put an arm around them whenever they feel low.
“We’ve had so many great Lakers that I’ve been around — Magic (Johnson), Shaq (O’Neal), Kobe, Pau Gasol — Hall of Famers,” Buss said.
“(James is) such a strong presence. His leadership is really something so unique. He’s fearless, and I really feed off of that. His strength empowers me, and I’m sure that’s how the rest of the team feels. He’s not afraid to face any foe. … I’m so proud of him.
Great job by Owner Jeanie Buss bringing Anthony Davis to the Lakers! Laker Nation, the Lakers are back in a championship hunt! Congratulations to the entire organization. I know LeBron James has a big smile on his face. I’m loving this!!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 15, 2019
But I think what I most appreciate about him, and what I’ve learned from him, is about accountability. The way he can call out hypocrisy, or people who aren’t living up to a standard — that, I really appreciate in him. … He delivers on his promise, and he expects everybody else to. And when you have a team, and the guy who’s leading your team holds that standard, then it makes everybody else have to be accountable and live up to the bar that he set.” she added.
Also Read: “Kawhi stretched it too long, reveals Jeanie Buss”
“LeBron really has embraced the legacy of the Lakers”: Jeanie Buss
Jeanie Buss opens up about her first meeting with LeBron James. It was back in March 2019. The King had a not so ideal start in Los Angeles, missing his first playoffs in 14 years. Jeanie Buss was beyond impressed by the King when they first met.
What caught her eye was how well prepared James was for that meeting. He had read up on Jeanie Buss’ father and knew all about Lakers’ history.
“He really has embraced the legacy of the Lakers, the history of the Lakers,” Buss said.
“When we sat down for dinner, he brought up some things where I was really surprised because he’d really done research on what my Dad built and the innovations my Dad brought (to the NBA). He did a deep dive into Lakers’ history. … I just appreciated that LeBron could appreciate who my Dad was, and him bringing up his name really touched my heart.”
Also Read: “Lakers wanted to sign Jimmy Butler in the previous offseason”
LeBron James with golden opportunity to make his mark in the Lakers history
The Lakers meet the Heat in the NBA Finals and LeBron has a wonderful opportunity to make his mark in Lakers history. If the Lakers win the Finals, they earn the 17th title for the franchise, tying the Boston Celtics for the top spot.
The Lakers have a very well balanced squad and look like the favorites to win it all.
The Finals start on 30th September, at 9 PM ET.
