As the Nuggets celebrate their first NBA title, LeBron James is still relevant, at least for Denver head coach Michael Malone.
In an appearance on Wednesday onShow Pat McAfeeMalone seemed to mock the Lakers star when he tried to film James contemplating retiring from the NBA after the Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
“Speaking of the Lakers, I just want you guys to know this is breaking news—I’m thinking of retiring. Just kidding, just kidding,” MaloneHe saidon the program.
On Friday, James appeared to address Malone’s comments in an Instagram post, telling his former coach “I hear I’m on your mind” and hinting that the franchise is enjoying the festive occasion at the moment.
“In Europe for the last few weeks I’ve been thinking about my work and I hear I’m on your mind a lot right??? I mean I think I see why. 🤷🏾♂️ But wave the flag on this gimp!! Please make being a gamer cool again because the lame machine I’m at an all time high. Enjoy your light but just know I’m the sun. I’ll be forever! 😉🫡🙏🏾👑 ,” Jamesbooks in office.
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James and Malone’s relationship dates back to James’ first stint with the Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010. Malone served as an assistant coach in Cleveland from ’05 to ’10, helping the franchise earn its first NBA Finals appearance in 2007. In addition to five consecutive matches.
But throughout this postseason’s Lakers-Nuggets series, Malone has expressed frustration about the amount of coverage Los Angeles has received despite losing to Denver.
“All everyone talked about was the Lakers,” Malone saidHe said After the Nuggets beat the Lakers 2. “Let’s be honest, that was a national narrative: The Lakers were doing fine. They lost 1-0 but they figured something out. No one ever talked about it Nicola [Jokic] It was just a historic performance. … the narrative was about the Lakers and their modifications. So you put that in your gulp, smoke it, come back and you know what, we’ll go up 2-0.”
The national novel [after Game 1] Is that the Lakers okay. … Nobody talked about Nicola just giving a historic performance. … The narrative wasn’t about nuggets.”
– Nuggets HC Michael Malone pic.twitter.com/zUSjByjZMf
– NBA TV (NBATV) May 19, 2023
Malone tooHe wore a shirt that showed part of his commentary during the team’s final run in the tournament to celebrate this moment.
Confirmed: The offer is ready 😤 pic.twitter.com/Iho6GBFSiu
– Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 15, 2023