LeBron James is leaving Cleveland, reports say. Does Trump have something to do with this?
Cavaliers fans, better get started burning those jerseys and digging out the recipes for those urinal cakes you churned out with your hero’s face on them back in 2010: LeBron James appears to be taking his talents out of Cleveland.
And while you’re crying? Some — OK, maybe quite a few — Miami Heat fans are going to be laughing. Because we’re like that.
NBA insider Chris Sheridan reports that King James is definitely leaving Cleveland, where he helped the Cavs win its first NBA championship in 2016.
NBA source said today: "This will be LeBron's final season in Cleveland. He is 100 percent leaving. Relationship with owners beyond repair."
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) August 16, 2017
Many sources have reported on James’ dissatisfaction with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, which allegedly has been growing over time.
There may be more reasons for the split, too. Sports Illustrated reports James is not a fan of Gilbert’s support of President Donald Trump (who called Gilbert “a great friend of mine,” according to SI). Gilbert’s company, Quicken Loans, contributed $750,000 to the Trump inauguration effort, according to the Detroit Free Press.
James, who has long taken stands on social issues, criticized the president on social media over the weekend after the violence in Charlottesville.
It's sad what's going on in Charlottesville. Is this the direction our country is heading? Make America Great Again huh?! He said that♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 12, 2017
He also criticized the president at an event for his foundation at Cedar Point Amusement Park after the protests.
“I know there’s a lot of tragic things happening in Charlottesville [Virginia],” James said. “I just want to speak on it right now. I have this platform and I’m somebody that has a voice of command and the only way for us to get better as a society and for us to get better as people is love. And that’s the only way we’re going to be able to conquer something as one. It’s not about the guy that’s the so-called president of the United States, or whatever the case.”
As for where James will end up, we know what you’re thinking, Miami. Especially after all those reports about how much time he has spent here this summer.
Miami Herald Heat writer Manny Navarro reported that James and his son worked out at the University of Miami on Monday, then James hung out at Dave Grutman’s Brickell party palace Komodo Miami. Last week, James was seen at Barton G in South Beach with wife Savannah and their kids.
He also spent some time on the water, according to his Instagram account.
Yeah, we’d all love to see the King in a Miami Heat uniform again, but don’t get your hopes up, Heat fans. All the rumors point to him signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. You’ll have to find solace in Cleveland’s pain.
This story was originally published August 16, 2017 at 6:55 PM with the headline "LeBron James is leaving Cleveland, reports say. Does Trump have something to do with this?."