Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss had grown wary of the perception that LeBron James, known for having more than a hand in the front office handling, was running the franchise.

Due to that trepidation, Buss was hesitant to pursue former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue and former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson, who were initially on the short list to replace head coach Luke Walton, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

“But there was initially some pause from Buss, who was sensitive to the likelihood that the pursuit of Lue and Jackson would be perceived as James and his agent Rich Paul running the show and spearheading the coaching search, sources said. Eventually, Buss’ concerns were alleviated after she reiterated the Lakers are a ‘Buss-ran organization,' sources said.”

James had left Cleveland already boasting the reputation of a demanding superstar that will get his way, even if that means leapfrogging the chain of command and clamoring for coaches and players that suit his mentality and playing style.

Buss had always been intent on keeping the Lakers brand spiffy clean, and she echoed that same sentiment to former president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, who was quick to say the Lakers wouldn't be building another Cleveland in Los Angeles by surrounding James with shooters. That strategy, of course, proved just as ill-conceived as initial detractors assumed it would be, with Los Angeles finishing second-to-last in three-point percentage this season.

Regardless, it has become pretty clear that Buss was already looking for potential replacements for Walton, ranging from Jason Kidd to others like Lue, Jackson, and former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams.