As a standalone word, yes. The expression is, nevertheless, "bury the lede", and always* has been.

* since the 1970s when it first surfaced.

Do you have a reference for this? The linked article seems pretty clear that it is used both ways and "lead" is the original

"Lead" is correct, and "lede" is journalism jargon.

It was adopted in broadcasting circles to keep news readers from saying "lead" (as in the element) instead of "lead" (as in to follow).

Source: Journalism degree, communications degree, 20 years in broadcast news.