LeBron James has the NBA world attempting to decipher mysterious recent comments, with some believing that James could be once again headed for the exit door and leaving Cleveland.
This all stems from a short vacation that LeBron took to Miami, the only place he has tasted NBA glory, where he spent time with friend and former team-mate Dwyane Wade , CBS Sports reports. LeBron James visited South Beach after the Cavs had a three-day break, having stuttered through three games in just four days with two losses and a narrow victory.
Not only were some Cleveland fans worried that LeBron was returning to Miami, but James also caused concern with comments he made on Twitter during the short break.
It’s ok to know you’ve made a mistake. Cause we all do at times. Just be ready to live with whatever that comes with it and be with…..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016
those who will protect you at all cost!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016
Upon returning to Cleveland, LeBron was in no mood to clarify these messages which only caused more speculation. James did comment on his decision to visit Wade in Miami, The New York Post reports.
Cause I want to. I would love to go to L.A, but it’ll take two and a half (hours) over four and a half. I’ve got a house in L.A but it makes more sense for me to go south than go west. But I go because I want to.
LeBron James’ comment will do little to appease nervous Cleveland fans, and when questioned if he understood their concerns, James replied “Yeah. I don’t care.” This is likely to be more LeBron’s reaction to the media constantly pressing the superstar, and this was evident with how he exited the interview when James asked the reporters if it was OK if he left , according to Business Insider .
That’s cool? I’m OK to leave when I want to leave? Be back at my work on time, two hours before? OK. Last one to leave the gym. OK. Thank you. Love you guys.
However, more speculation arose later when LeBron James sent the following out to his 28.5 million followers on Twitter.
Can’t replace being around great friends that reciprocate the same energy back to you in all facets of life
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 3, 2016
These cryptic statements from LeBron only add to what has been an incredibly turbulent season in Cleveland. They sacked head coach David Blatt in January despite having the best record in the Eastern Conference, and in his place they promoted associate head coach Tyronn Lue. With Lue at the helm, LeBron James and the Cavs have posted a 12-6 record and look certain to lock up the top seed in the East. However, issues behind closed doors continue to overshadow their on-court success, with Kyrie Irving apparently the latest player to be unhappy in Cleveland, ESPN ‘s Stephen A. Smith claimed.
All is not well for the @Cavs . https://t.co/UbY8XyKzar
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) February 29, 2016
Kyrie Irving later dismissed these claims via Cleveland.com.
For me, all that other stuff, what everyone is going to say, they’re going to pick on one player and it’s going to change every single week. When they think we’re down and out, they’re going to choose one player. For me, it has no effect on my life or what’s going on. It’s all about winning and winning a championship for Cleveland.
Whilst Irving is correct that the press like to target Cleveland, it is clear that anything other than an NBA championship this season will be a failure for LeBron James and the organization. Although Cleveland have a respectable 42-17 record and most expect them to once again reach the Finals, not many would put them in the same category as the defending champ Golden State Warriors or LeBron’s old foe, the San Antonio Spurs. The record 73-win chasing Warriors improved to 55-5 last night, whilst the Spurs are nipping at their heels with an impressive 52-9 record, and both teams have already clinched play-off berths.
LeBron James and co. are aware of the formidable task ahead, and James’ recent comments do the team no favors. Although it is no secret that the media like to create mountains out of molehills, and particularly when it involves LeBron James, his recent comments, his trip to Miami, and his ability to opt out this summer understandably have many Cleveland fans concerned over what will happen if the Cavs fall short once again.
[Photo by Darren Abate/AP Images]