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LeBron calls Carmelo-Cavs trade rumor 'fantasy basketball'

USA Today Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently in the midst of one of, if not their very worst stretch of basketball since LeBron James returned to the franchise.

Following a 116-112 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, the Cavs have now lost three in a row and have a 7-8 record since Christmas Day.

Turmoil on the hardwood breeds trade rumors, with none bigger than the one saying the reigning champions reportedly turned down a trade with the New York Knicks for Carmelo Anthony - a longtime friend of James - in exchange for Kevin Love.

The four-time Most Valuable Player was asked for his initial thoughts upon hearing that such an offer was put on the table.

"I have no reaction. We've got 14 guys in here. They need to be ready every night. What we got in here, we gotta play. Can't play fantasy basketball," James said. "We got who we got, and we gotta go out and play."

Related - Melo on LeBron: 'I think he'd want me to play with him'

Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract that would need to be waived in order for New York to send him packing, and while he has proclaimed his loyalty to the Knicks numerous times, having the opportunity to join a true title contender and play alongside James would presumably be enough to change his mind.

James went on a rant following Cleveland's 124-122 loss to the Anthony Davis-less New Orleans Pelicans Monday, ripping the makeup of the roster, how it lacks a playmaker and isn't overly deep, while adding that he's got "no time to waste" since he's not getting any younger.

Related - David Griffin: LeBron's comments inappropriate from teammate perspective

In 44 minutes against the visiting Kings, James finished with his fifth triple-double of the regular season by scoring 24 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and dishing out 11 assists on 8-of-15 shooting from the field.

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