en en en en en en en en en en en en en it en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en en es en en en en en en
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James issued a feisty defense of his now-notorious comments regarding Anthony Davis on Friday night, insisting his remarks about the New Orleans Pelicans star were neither against the rules nor part of a plot to bring the All-Star to Los Angeles.
When quizzed by USA TODAY Sports following the Lakers 112-104 over the Pelicans about the ESPN quotes where James said that playing with Davis would be "amazing," the Lakers star responded strongly.
Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry said earlier Friday that "of course" James’ words constituted "tampering," and, according to ESPN, several general managers around the NBA shared the same view.
However, James’ locker room exchange with USA TODAY Sports went as follows.
USA TODAY: In hindsight do you feel that you did anything wrong by commenting on Davis at the start of the week and were you surprised by how much reaction those comments generated?
USAT: Some people think you did.
USAT: I am asking you, do you think you did?
James: No, of course not. What did I do?
USAT: You made comments about another team’s player.
James: (Inaudible) right or wrong?
USAT: I’m asking you your opinion. Were you surprised by how much reaction it generated?
James: Of course not. Everything I say will generate something.
L.A. Times: Did you know that when you said it?
LAT: You just sort of said it and then realized?
James: Ask me would I like to play with Kevin Durant? Ask me right now.
LAT: Would you like to play with Kevin Durant?
James: Absolutely. Ask me if I would like to play with Jimmy Butler.
LAT: Would you like to play with Jimmy Butler?
James: Ask me about Kyrie Irving. Giannis (Antetokounmpo). Ask me about (Joel) Embiid. Ben Simmons. Go ahead. All of them. Luka Doncic. Ask me right now. Come on guys, it is not rocket science. It is not rocket science., These are great players. Absolutely. I would want to play with a lot of great players, that is just who I am. So? People get caught up in bunches. Sometimes they wish they could control what you say and they can’t control me. At all. And I play by the rules."
James’ final comment is likely a reference to the league’s rules which discourage officials, coaches or players from issuing comments that appear to be trying to tempt another team’s player from switching clubs.
Davis and James both battled sickness on Friday, but it did not stop them from delivering fine performances. Davis scored 30 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, while James put on a passing masterclass, racking up 14 assists as part of a 22-point triple double.
Yet regardless of James’ fresh words, the speculation linking Davis and Tinseltown will not die down quickly.
Follow Martin Rogers on Twitter @RogersJourno.
Careers Staff Directory Accessibility Site Map Legals Our Ethical Principles Terms of Service Privacy Policy Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy PolicyDo Not Sell My Info / Cookie Policy
Contact Us Support Local Business Advertise Your Business Advertising Terms and Conditions Licensing & Reprints Help Center Subscriber Guide My Account Give Feedback