LeBron James Defends his Reputation with his Coaches after David Blatt’s Firing
LeBron James has spoken out about the criticisms he has been subjected to since the Cleveland Cavaliers fired head coach David Blatt, a move many called surprising since the Cavaliers are first in the eastern conference with a 31-12 record.
James said that all the scrutiny about him being one of the reasons why a coach might get fired is unfair, adding that he has never undermined a coach before in his entire career.
"But what can I do about it? I've never, in my time since I picked up a basketball, ever undermined a coach, ever disrespected a coach," James said Wednesday after shootaround reported by Cleveland.com.
Blatt became the third coach to be fired while coaching a team with James on the roster. In 2005, the Cavaliers fired Paul Silas when the team failed to make it to the playoffs. In 2010, the Cavaliers fired Mike Brown right before James opted to go to the Miami Heat. Some people also speculated that James wanted to get Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra fired.
James stated that people's views on his power and influence are "misconstrued" because of the fact that he is very vocal with his opinions regarding the game.
James said, "I've voiced my opinion about certain things, which I did when I was here my first stint with Paul Silas and Mike Brown. Which I did in Miami with Coach Spo. Which I did with Blatt and I'll do with T-Lue. And at the end of the day, they'll still have their final call. But, I don't know. What do you guys want me to do, turn my brain off because I have a huge basketball IQ? If that's what they want me to do, I'm not going to do it because I've got so much to give to the game. There's no difference for me telling my teammates or telling guys how to get better with their game. If I feel I got something that will help our team, ultimately, I like to give it. It helped me get two titles."
The Cavaliers recorded their first win under new coach Tyronn Lue Monday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cavaliers will play the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. ET.
