Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has heard his name tossed about in the media in recent days. It was reported that James, who can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, would entertain a meeting with the Golden State Warriors. The three-time champion stood in front of the media who were gathered after Friday’s practice session to set the record straight.
In a rather assertive tone, James asked the media to refrain from any further questions with regards to him playing for another team until this season is over.
“I know you guys wanna cut it up, but the Golden State conversation is a non-story,” James said after Friday’s shoot-around at Cleveland Clinic Courts. “All the other conversations are non-stories. My focus right now is on this team and trying to figure out how we can get back to a fourth NBA Finals to compete for a championship.”
“If you want to ask me about this team, I can answer it — good, bad, or ugly,” James continued. “But please, for the rest of this season, don’t ask me about no other teams unless we’re competing against or you wanna ask me about a highlight that happened the night before. Don’t ask me about being on another team because it’s unfair to my teammates here — my 14 teammates that we come and work hard for — my coaching staff, and this fan base.”
James is an easy-going guy most of the time, but his demeanor was stern on this topic — and rightly so. Everyone knows he can become a free agent after this season, so why add fuel to the fire? Besides, it’s not like he’s going to come out and say whether he’ll stay with the Cavs or take his talents elsewhere. He’s earned the right to weigh his options.
“I never said I would sit down with Golden State or sit down with anybody,” James told Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
“I’m here, I’m right here, I’m right now and this is my present and this is where I’m at,” James said, referring to Cleveland and the Cavs’ organization. “If you don’t hear something coming from my voice, then it’s not true. I don’t give a damn how close they are, I don’t care if it’s my kids, or my wife or whatever. If it’s not from me, it’s not true, so.”
The Cavs, now 30-20 overall and 1st in the Central Division standings, will be back in action on Saturday night, as they’re scheduled to host the Houston Rockets inside Quicken Loans Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. EST with ABC having live broadcast coverage.