Lakers President Jeanie Buss Shares Her Real Thoughts on Bronny James and the Explosive Luka Dončić Trade (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Ronald Martinez/Getty; Amy Sussman/WireImage; Al Bello/Getty

Ronald Martinez/Getty; Amy Sussman/WireImage; Al Bello/Getty

Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss is getting candid aboutBronny James, Luka Dončić and the future of the basketball franchise.

Earlier this month, shockwaves were sent across the NBA and the internet when the Dallas Mavericksagreed to trade 25-year-old Dončićto the Lakers for Anthony Davis in a blockbuster, multi-team deal.

At theRunning Pointpremiere on Thursday, Feb. 13 in Hollywood, CA, Buss exclusively told PEOPLE that Dončić is more than capable of leading the next era of the Lakers dynasty.

“The Lakers are about winning championships, so we have to make sure that we put ‘em in the right position to win championships,” Buss begins. “That’s the kind of person [Luka] is. He wants to win. So it’s kind of a great marriage, a great match.”

Alex Goodlett/Getty

The JJ Redick-coached team is currently fourth in the NBA’s Western Conference, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzles.

Ronald Martinez/Getty

Part of the Lakers’ focus this season has been providing opportunities for its youngest talent to step up and shine on the court, with the most high-profile example beingLeBron James’ sonBronny.

“Oh, I love having [Bronny on the team,]” says Buss, authoritatively. “If we could have a roster of players with his work ethic, his focus — we love having him a part of the organization. He’s been wonderful to work with.”

Bronny has beenfloating between the G League and the Lakers benchto get him developmentally ready to play in the NBA full-time. In the 17 games he’s played this season, Bronny has averaged 1.4 points in 4.2 minutes of game time,according to ESPN.

“He’s having to go from the G League to the NBA, which we’ve done a great job [with],” assures Buss. “Our scouting department, our basketball operations have done a great job developing talent like Austin Reeves and Max Christie. So, Bronny’s just going to be another one of those players that will continue to develop.”

As the Lakers continue to cement themselves as a resonant force in pop culture, it comes as no surprise that Buss’ journey to becoming a front office executive is the loose inspiration for Netflix’s upcoming seriesRunning Point.

Jerod Harris/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Buss, who was depicted in the Lakers-centered HBO seriesWinning Timeand serves as an executive producer forRunning Point, says that thisMindy Kaling-helmed project will not only draw in Lakers fans, but keep them across the series’ 10-episode run.

Running Pointpremieres on Netflix on Feb. 27.

source: people.com