Lakers star LeBron James was moved to tears watching a tribute video during the first quarter of Wednesday’s blowout loss in Cleveland, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. The video showed highlights of James’ performance with the Cavaliers during Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals, when he scored 48 points — including the team’s final 25 — in a double overtime victory.
“I think it just comes from just being present. I was just more present today than I’ve been [in past trips to Cleveland],” James said. “[It] definitely got to me a little bit, for sure.”
After the defeat, James admitted he wasn’t sure whether or not it was final game in Cleveland, McMenamin notes.
“I’m just trying to take everything in, not take the moments for granted,” James said. “Because it could be [my last season]. I obviously haven’t made a decision on the future, but it very well could be.”
We have more from around the Pacific:
- Kings big man Domantas Sabonis knows his name has popped up in trade rumors again this season, but he tells Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee he’s doing his best to tune out the speculation. “There’s nothing you can do,” Sabonis said. “You just try to ignore it. I’m here right now, and we’re just trying to go out there and play as well as we can.” The three-time All-Star conceded the rumors feels “different” now that he’s married with three children and owns a home in the Napa Valley, along with a wine brand. “It’s definitely different this time,” Sabonis said. “I’ve got kids, so you’ve got to think about that, but on the court it’s the same thing. I forget everything once I’m in between those lines and the goal is just to help your team win.”
- The Suns aren’t expected to make major roster changes ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, as they reportedly “love” the chemistry they’ve established this season under first-year head coach Jordan Ott. “We have people in place in leadership to take care of a lot of that stuff,” Ott said earlier this week, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. “We know it’s right around the corner, but we love our group. We love our group. We continue to say that. Our group is growing internally. Our big piece we’re going to get back is Jalen Green and that’s what we’re excited about.” Green returned to action on Friday against Cleveland after missing three games due to hamstring tightness.
- Law Murray of The Athletic examines the Clippers‘ deadline approach, writing that L.A. could use a play-making combo guard who can get in the paint, make shots and push the ball in transition while being passable on defense. If the Clippers look for significant roster upgrades rather than just clearing roster spots to promote Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders, Brook Lopez, Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic and Cam Christie could be trade candidates, Murray writes.
Cavs should just trade for Lebron now, get it over with.
I had to make an account just to say this: this dude has been saying “Uh.. I dunno, this might be my last season” for how many now?? At least 3? Please. He loves himself more than anyone on the planet, he isn’t going out without a full retirement tour. He wants every single team to make a tribute video for him. Besides, the longer he stays in the league, the more cumulative counting stats he can pad up, such as most games played. Jordan will always live rent-free in his head. Retire already. Oh, and it IS Donovan Mitchell’s city now, Tyson never should’ve walked that statement back.
Just put the fries in the bag.
@ Beagle : Amen.
So fitting that you had to make an account just to hate on LeBron for saying that he’s getting old. You people have so much distain in your heart. I can’t imagine that your lives are filled with meaningful and genuine relationships. You’re the kind of guy who loses his mind when someone isn’t going as fast as you want them to in YOUR lane.
Yeah buddy, Cleveland is Donovan Mitchell’s city. Wtf are you smoking.
Boner: right on each point. Downright ridiculous lol. And Cleveland isn’t even sure Donovan is going to extend, talking about it’s his city smh
I hear exactly 0 replies to my actual argument: that LeMickey Blames has been dangling this threat of retirement for 3 years for absolutely nothing. Absolutely love how this bum’s defense force can go all out making judgments about someone’s character because they call out the FAKENESS of LeStatpad. He stayed in the last quarter of that Cavs blowout btw, wonder why? It must be because I’m not happy, yup, that’s it. Clown World.
Also regarding Donovan Mitchell, I thought people understood the context behind the statement but apparently no one watches games anymore. After the 30 point blowout, Mitchell was asked about LeMickey and what a big impact he’s had on Cleveland. Anyone with even a little bit of competitive spirit is going to be taken aback with a question like that. It is not their responsibility to glorify your fake king. Somehow it always has to be about him. We’re sick of it. RETIRE
Nobody cares about your actual argument, newb.
I honestly was going to just let this be but your reply is so obnoxious and short sited that I can’t contain myself.
Your “actual argument” is that LeBron has been saying he’s getting old for 3 years because he wants more attention. Guess what buddy? You literally admitted to creating an account JUST TO GIVE HIM ATTENTION. You are moaning about something that you contribute to. And when confronted with that fact, it makes more sense to you that LeBron James has an army of shadow puppets waiting to defend his honor when something bad is said about him than it is that you are complaining to hear yourself complaining and nobody really cares.
Here’s another truth pill that I hope goes down easier than the last. If LeBron announced 3 years ago that he was going to retire, every team in the NBA would have played a tribute video. Nothing has changed.
James has so many things about him which are easy to dislike. People will list them here. If you stick around long enough in any public “job”, there will be plenty of folks who develop antipathy for you. But he’s already the NBA’s all time leading scorer and will soon pass Robert Parrish for most games played. Those are monumental accomplishments. I don’t like “praising Caesar”, but there really is SO much about this “Gaius” to praise. Scoring over 43,000 points and playing in more than 1611 games, both of which he will soon accomplish make him worthy of respect, like him or loathe him.
We are not talking about “anyone at a public job”. We are discussing a self-absorbed, over rated (when you factor him always playing on a “super team” and a guy who cannot stay in his lane.
Let’s talk about the great players who actually made those on their team better. Not some guy who bugs the GM every year to bring in star players to allow him to take advantage of the success.
Of course his job is public. It’s as public as any job could possibly be,; he’s in the entertainment industry. And yes, he’s flopper, a whiner, and all the rest, but he’ll soon have played more games than anyone else .. like Ripken, and scored more points … like a Henry Aaron in RBI’s .. I can’t stand him, not a bit. But NO ONE can deny, dismiss, or rationalize his successes. Grow up, tip your hat, and stand and salute when he eventually makes his final appearance in your town. I’ll be glad to see him go, but mercy me when my great-grandkids ask me about him — short list of greatest players ever, like him or not.
Players who constantly whine and walk off the court early every time the game doesn’t go their way will never earn the respect of any true basketball fan. He has his own podcast just to whine and complain about things like the 65 game rule and THE QUALITY OF THE BEDS AND PILLOWS HE SLEEPS ON IN AWAY GAMES. He can have 100 million points and I would still see him as the player least worthy of respect in the entire league.
Bro, always playing with a super team? Asides from the Heat, his other teams haven’t been that stacked. When you have that much talent, you will have a big ego. Its why they get paid what they do. The owners know it because they benefit from ticket sales and merch. But hes not overrated. His numbers speak for themselves.
Just curious what folks will hate on when he retires lol.
These people are secretly LeBron fans. It’s sad they don’t see it. No player has ever motivated me to create an account just to comment on him. No player has motivated me to ignore my regular hoop knowledge or prove myself illogical just to downgrade them. Not sure how you can say taking Anderson Varejao, booby Gibson and Larry Hughes type starters to the finals isn’t making your team better.
Love or hate the guy’s personality, but this isn’t wrestling. Unless a guy is involved in domestic crap or other criminal or immoral idgaf about anything other than the court
LUV: This is exactly the thing. I was recently at the game where Durant (can’t stand him) passed Wilt Chamberlain (my personal favorite). Standing ovation for that miserable Durant guy. I mean, what else can you do but acknowledge cold, hard facts. A guy plays more games than anyone else ever has is enough by itself to honor a player. I hope I am at that game. 95% of the “fans” here won’t notice that Robert Parish played 1611 games and that is no longer the most. Empirical fact — tough to rationalize away by (accurately) calling James a whining flopper.