LeBron Shrugs Off Jeanie Buss Drama With Lakers

Merlin sees LeBron James brushing off an ESPN story about his relationship with Lakers governor Jeanie Buss. After the Clippers loss he said, "I don't really care about the reports, to be honest," and called the relationship "good" while allowing that "somebody could see it another way." The piece said Buss grew tired of his "outsized ego" and once considered not extending or trading him in 2022. LeBron’s deal expires after this season and he holds a full no-trade clause. Merlin notes the partnership has been productive: a 2020 title, five playoff berths and LeBron becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. At 41 he admits the end is "sooner than later," yet public calm can mask private bargaining. Merlin expects quiet negotiations and a preference for stability over drama as both sides weigh the next move.