Lakers' Jeanie Buss: LeBron James could be NBA's best player after gold medal for US team | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

After leading the U.S. team to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer, LeBron James earned high praise from Jeanie Buss, governor of the Los Angeles Lakers.

While I am watching the upcoming Lakers season with Chuck Schilke the LA TimesBuss said she believes James' performance at the Olympics solidifies his claim as the NBA's GOAT.

“I'm excited to see what our new coach JJ Redick has in store. It's definitely going to be an interesting season,” Buss said. “I mean, LeBron, the way he played in the Olympics? He could be the greatest of all time.”

James averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists to help the U.S. team win its fifth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball. It is his third career Olympic gold medal and his fourth overall.

The four-time NBA champion is entering the 22nd season of his legendary career and will turn 40 in December. Still, James shows no signs of slowing down and hopes to help put the Lakers in position to compete for an NBA title. Buss said she expects nothing less.

“He delivers consistently. He works hard. He's not only a global brand, he's our leader. He's the captain of our team and he sets the tone, sets the pace by working hard,” Buss said. “Nobody can complain about the work when you see someone with his resume and his long career, nobody can complain about having to work out when he's ready. And he does. … As far as my expectations for the team, I can sit here and tell you – the Lakers, as we know, always play for the championship, between Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson and Phil Jackson and Pat Riley and Dr. Buss. That's who we are.”

The Lakers kept most of their core from last year, but added some new talent in Dalton Knecht, the 2024 first-round pick, and Bronny James, the son of the 20-time All-Star.

James is now entering the autumn of his career and is hoping for a crowning conclusion. A fifth championship title would be the perfect ending for him.