These 2 stars joining forces very unlikely
Los Angeles Lakers Coach Luke Walton hasn’t read Ric Bucher’s Bleacher Report piece on why NBA stars don’t want to join up with LeBron James, but he disagrees with its premise. When asked about the article Wednesday, Walton couldn’t understand why players would feel that way.
The article asked why recent stars who were available — like Paul George and Jimmy Butler — passed on the opportunity to join James in Los Angeles. Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season provided a few eye-opening quotes, saying the atmosphere around James discourages players from wanting to join him.
“So much hype comes from being around LeBron from other people,” Durant told Bucher. “He has so many fanboys in the media. Even the beat writers just fawn over him. I’m like, we’re playing basketball here, and it’s not even about basketball at certain points. So I get why anyone wouldn’t want to be in that environment because it’s toxic. Especially when the attention is [expletive] attention, fluff. It’s not LeBron’s fault at all; it’s just the fact you have so many groupies in the media that love to hang on every word. Just get out of the way and let us play basketball.”
Walton didn’t directly address those comments, but questioned why any player would turn down the chance to play with James, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“I haven’t read the article, so I can’t comment on that, but what you’re asking me, to me the question is: Why would you not want to play with LeBron?” Walton said. “He’s a winner and he’s an incredible player and he’s unselfish.”
Walton’s take will be tested during the offseason. The Lakers have plenty of cap space, and are expected to pursue another star to play with James. Kawhi Leonard and Butler will be available, but neither has expressed interest in joining James yet.