Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss has admitted to making an error with her running of the team.
With the LA Lakers winning once again, team president Jeanie Buss has been more visible on the media circuit lately. This is also tied into the new Netflix show Running Point, a comedy loosely based around her experience in charge of the franchise.
There is a lot for Buss to smile about right now. The Lakers recently pulled off the biggest trade in recent NBA history to acquire Luka Doncic.
The move has helped the Lakers move up to second in the Western Conference, for now, providing a short-term boost as well as landing a superstar who may stay for the next decade.
The trade for Luka Doncic saw the LA Lakers bring in two more players to supplement the deal, offsetting the exit of Anthony Davis and Max Christie.
The Lakers brought in Maxi Kleber, who has been out injured, along with veteran Markieff Morris, who made his return to the LA.
Morris was part of the Lakers squad that won the title in 2020, and as a former teammate of LeBron James, he has the respect of the team’s leader.
Morris’ return gave Jeanie Buss the chance to issue an apology, after she realized she made a mistake with her running of the team.
Buss says she regrets not doubling down on the 2020 title winners and keeping the team together. Rajon Rondo is on record criticizing the decision.
Speaking to the Games With Names podcast, Buss explained: “I will say, that I kind of came from the philosophy kind of inspired by Phil Jackson that when a team wins a championship, they should have the right to defend their championship.
“And we didn’t do that, and I regret that.
“One of the players on the list, Markieff Morris, just re-joined the team in the trade for Luka, he was one of the players that came back, and I told him, I said ‘I’m really sorry that we didn’t get a chance for you to defend that championship and I’m really glad you’re here.’
“We obviously didn’t win a championship the following year.”
Buss had previously said in a separate interview she was thrilled to be able to trade for Luka Doncic, having never expected him to be available.
And while the team traded away Anthony Davis, Buss was convinced it was a move worth making.
Markieff Morris had admitted he was not prepared to be traded by the Dallas Mavericks, and had not envisioned that he would be in demand.
Morris subsequently said he probably would have retired had he been traded to any other team.
On the Lakers he is providing a useful veteran presence, recently offering guidance to Dalton Knecht, who rejoined the team after being traded away, in a deal that collapsed.
Dallas Mavericks acquire:
- Anthony Davis
- Max Christie
- 2029 first round pick
LA Lakers acquire:
- Luka Doncic
- Maxi Kleber
- Markieff Morris
Utah Jazz acquire:
- Jalen-Hood Schifino
- 2025 second round pick
- 2025 second round pick (via Clippers)
