LeBron Shrugs Off Buss Trade Talk With Clippers

Merlin sees LeBron James respond with a single line, "I'm good," when asked after the Lakers' 112-104 loss to the Clippers if he wants to finish the season in Los Angeles. The reply follows an ESPN report that Lakers governor Jeanie Buss at one point considered trading him in 2022, describing an "outsized ego" and saying Klutch Sports gained "overt control." LeBron signed a full no-trade clause in July 2024. Merlin notes LeBron has never been traded in 23 seasons and has signed two extensions since the 2022 episode, so any move would likely need his blessing. Insider Chris Haynes says reports like this often stir activity before deadlines. For now Merlin senses a calm surface, but a new ripple could change the current stillness.