Amid Cavs Trade Rumors, LeBron James Breaks Silence on Visit to Cleveland Game

The Los Angeles Lakers had been eliminated in the first round. Instantly, there was palpable fear regarding the franchise. Everyone was looking at LeBron James, who could opt out of his contract and be an unrestricted free agency. Piling on the speculation came his appearance during the Cavaliers-Celtics series in Cleveland. It evoked a sense of rampant curiosity and eagerness. Was James indicating another homecoming?

Rumors and possibilities were discussed. Trade scenarios were formulated in the following hours. Before James could speak, narratives had been painted about his intentions behind appearing at the game. It could have been an innocent decision without much implications, but James never got to speak.

He finally addressed the situation during the recent ‘Mind the Game’ podcast episode where he sat across a screen from JJ Reddick. During the conversation, he spoke about his son Bronny entering the draft and how his ambiguity made the NBA media “ride” on the 19-year-old for content.

LeBron James calls out NBA media for pivoting to his son Bronny James amidst his silence

James, having watched his elder son perform marvelously at the NBA draft combine was brimming with pride and bliss. As he spoke about his son’s maturity and modesty, Reddick decided to be cheeky. “The NBA media got a week’s worth of content out of him being at the draft combine,” he said before breaking into laughter.

LeBron James concurred too. He even said the reason for the media’s relentless coverage of Bronny stirred from his reluctance to answer questions during his visit to the Cavaliers’ playoff game against the Celtics. “I think they say, you know, ‘Since your da’ not in the playoffs no more, you know what? We’re going to ride your coattail, Bronny James. We can’t get to say anything right now. He declined an interview at the Cavs game. We can’t get him to say anything,” James expressed.

Even Reddick accused the NBA media of concentrating on non-playoff matters and using terrestrial subjects for content. It was in reference to the rumors swirling of his being the next head coach for the Lakers. Both he and LeBron James shared a brief laugh which seemed to conceal their pity toward the NBA media.

Yet how accurate were the narratives the media had conjured? James has a $51 million player option for next season. The 39-year-old has also expressed his decision to stay with the Lakers. But that was before the playoff disaster. He has admitted to not having the luxury of patience at his hands anymore. If the Purple and Gold can’t assemble a winning roster in his perspective, a move is very much a plausible reality.

However, James has also said any news regarding his future will come directly from him. Whether it’s retirement or a decision to leave, fans can expect him to break the news.