Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Reveals Her Bold Expectations for the Lakers' Future

Jeanie Buss, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers , has vocalized her expectations for the team's performance upcoming season amid skepticism about their chances of securing another championship title before LeBron James retires. Buss emphasized, “we gotta let the work speak for itself,” pointing to the importance of focusing on performance rather than engaging in social media controversies. She added, “You gotta do the work. And that’s how our organization operates.”

“Really, you gotta play basketball and win games," Buss said. "I know the criticism out there. I know social media is rough waters for everybody. There’s always controversy being stirred up on social media. That’s why it doesn’t really serve me to hype everything up.

It’s just, you gotta do the work. And that’s how our organization operates. We do the work. We worry about what we can control and let the work speak for itself.”

In the past two seasons, the Lakers have faced significant hurdles in the playoffs, ultimately being eliminated by the Denver Nuggets. This struggle propelled Buss and the team's management to make strategic changes, including the recent hiring of former NBA player JJ Redick as head coach. Buss highlighted that these moves reflect the organization's commitment to improving their chances of success on the court.

LeBron James, who continues to perform at a high level even after turning 39, averaged over 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game for the last 20 seasons. Despite his impressive stats, injuries have caused him to miss more games recently, raising concerns about his longevity. Buss described James as the team's leader and tone-setter, remarking, “He consistently delivers. He puts in the work.”

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Ultimately, Buss expressed that the Lakers' success heavily relies on James's continued high-level performance, as he remains a pivotal figure for the organization’s aspirations for another championship. With James's leadership and the team's fresh dynamics, the Lakers aim to reclaim their glory in the coming season.

Going Deeper

Los Angeles Times