Draymond Green Comes To LeBron James' Defense In The Wake Of Jeanie Buss Story
Jan 23, 2026
On Wednesday, a bombshell report by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes made some wild claims about the dynamic between LeBron James and LA Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. According to Holmes, Buss felt that James did not express “gratitude” after the Lakers drafted his son Bronny in 2024.
Draymond Green, a close friend of James, took exception to this claim. Speaking on his self-titled podcast, Green attested that his buddy had indeed been thankful that the Lakers drafted his eldest son.
“Do you bow down and, like, kiss the ring and say, ‘Thank you, I’m appreciative? I’ve seen LeBron speak out how he’s appreciative of the organization for giving Bronny a chance,” Green said.
Green went on to defend Bronny’s place in the league. “Bronny did do some work. Bronny worked to become who he’s become as well. It’s not like this kid wasn’t a top recruit and didn’t play at a top college. Give Bronny some credit as well.”
These comments about Bronny’s college stint, however, are questionable at best and misguided at worst. In his lone season at USC, LBJ’s offspring put up just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, averaging 19.3 minutes in 25 games played.
Instead of propping up Bronny’s USC numbers, Green might have made a better argument if he had cited the 21-year-old’s G League stats instead. When Bronny played for the South Bay Lakers during his rookie season in the NBA, he was far more prolific, putting up 21.9 ppg on 44.3% FG shooting, 5.3 rpg, and 5.3 apg. In three G League games this season, Bronny tallied 17.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, and 5.7 apg.
In other words, Bronny has played just as any pundit would expect from a typical 55th pick in the NBA Draft. The young man has potential as a scorer and a playmaker, but he clearly has a need to hone his skill set and build his confidence if he wants to stick around longer in the league.
If Green is sincere with his latest defense of LBJ, the Lakers superstar was indeed thankful that the Lakers took a chance on his son. Now, it’s up to James’ young namesake to validate the faith that the front office had in that fateful draft night.
