LeBron offers thoughts on Trump, Irving
Cavaliers star also says he would love to have Dwyane Wade on his team
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The chaos of an incredible NBA offseason behind him, LeBron James returned to center stage.
Speaking for the first time since losing in the NBA Finals, James discussed topics ranging from his future in Cleveland to a possible reunion with Dwyane Wade to a deep distaste for President Donald Trump.
On Trump: “He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United State for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement. He doesn’t understand that, and that’s what makes me more sick than anything.”
James refused to back off calling Trump “a bum” on Twitter .
On former teammate Kyrie Irving, who demanded a trade and was dealt to Boston: “I tried to give him everything and give him as much of the DNA as I could. At some point, when he was ready to take over the keys, I was ready to give them to him. So, the only thing I’m upset about is he took a lot of the DNA and a lot of the blueprint to Boston.”
On former Miami teammate Wade possibly coming to Cleveland: “I would love to have D-Wade a part of this team. I think he brings another championship pedigree, championship DNA. He brings another player to the team who can get guys involved, can make plays and also has a great basketball mind. I think it would be great to have him here.”
On previous statements that he will finish his career with Cleveland: “It hasn’t changed. And that’s why I sit up here today, still in this uniform, still ready to lead this franchise to a championship, put us in a position where we can be successful.”
On the NFL’s response to Trump and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who initiated the kneeling protests last year to bring attention to police brutality against minorities. “There was no divide. Even from that guy that continues to try to divide us as people. … I salute Colin Kaepernick for being as powerful as he was and being the one who had to fall on his sword, unfortunately. I wish I owned an NFL team right now; I’d sign him today.”
THUNDER: Guard Russell Westbrook, who has yet to sign a contract extension, said Monday that Oklahoma City is where he wants to be and he is “happy” about the offseason additions of superstars Carmelo Anthony and Paul George.
“I love it here,” he said. “I like where I’m at, and I like where our team is at.”
Westbrook, the reigning league MVP, complimented general manager Sam Presti.
“He’s done an amazing job and he’s done a great job ever since I’ve been here,” Westbrook said. “He’s constantly doing things to make us better.”
WIZARDS: John Wall and the rest of Washington’s core is exactly the same as it was last season, which essentially amounts to a radical decision to stand pat in today’s NBA.
“We know how each other wants to play. We know what they’re great at, what they’re not great at. It makes the job a lot easier for us,” Wall said. “I don’t like new change. I don’t like dealing with new people, new stuff.”