Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is spotting up in Europe simply enjoying his offseason after a grueling 20th season in the NBA came to an end in a Western Conference Finals loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Despite this, King James continues to catch strays. The future Hall of Famer was on the receiving end of a troll job courtesy of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone during their championship parade on Thursday.
“Speaking of the Lakers, I’m thinking about retiring, so don’t tell anybody,” Malone told roughly 500,000 fans on hand for the parade.
Malone is referencing James bringing up potential retirement after his Lakers were swept out of the playoffs by Denver. It was funny. It was also a cheap shot. Well, James is not having any of that. He took to his Instagram account to respond indirectly to Malone, bringing the NBA of petty to a new level.
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“In Europe for the last past few weeks minding my business and I hear I’m on your mind that much huh??? I mean I guess I see why,” LeBron James on Instagram. “But Wave the flag on these lames!! Please make being player cool again cause the lame machine is at an all-time high. Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN. I stay on forever!”
Something must have struck a nerve with Mr. James.
Though, he could have brought up the four NBA titles he has to his name compared to the one the Denver Nuggets have won. That would’ve taken this petty war to a whole new level.
As for whether James is returning for a 21st season in the NBA, that seems to be in the cards. Bringing up potential retirement after dropping 40 points while being eliminated in the playoffs was likely more out of frustration.
Meanwhile, the all-time great was dealing with a foot injury throughout the latter part of the season.
Either way, a new rivalry might have been born between James and the Nuggets after this latest back-and-forth.