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LeBron James pissed off by Kevin Durant’s ‘toxic comments’

Utkarsh Bhatla
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LeBron James is trying to build a dynasty for himself and the Lakers in LA. The foundation stone has been laid but a solid wall needs to be built in order to help the dynasty stand firm and flourish.

In order to build that dynasty, LeBron needs help from at least one NBA superstar that would be willing to join the Lakers next season.

Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson could be viable options for the Lakers, with Davis emerging as the most realistic target following LeBron’s interactions with him over the past few days.

Kevin Durant too was earlier being heavily linked with the Lakers but it seems like he might have missed out on the opportunity following his ‘toxic comments’ on LeBron.

A few weeks back, Durant spoke about how NBA superstars might not want to play alongside LeBron because of the toxic environment around James.

He claimed that with the media putting so much focus on LeBron and everything that he does on and off the court, another superstar could find it a little tough to cope with such behaviour.

“It depends on what kind of player you are. … So much hype comes from being around LeBron from other people. He has so many fanboys in the media. Even the beat writers just fawn over him.” Durant said

“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 bulls–t 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.” he added

LeBron James had earlier refused to comment on Durant’s statements as he wanted to know the context around it.

But in an interview with ESPN, LeBron said that he was pissed after hearing KD’s comments.

“I was a little pissed off when I first heard it, to be honest,” James said

“I didn’t know where it stemmed from, and I was asked later on that night after our game and I didn’t want to comment because I didn’t see it, I didn’t hear [it].

“I started ‘Uninterrupted’ for a reason, and I know how sound bites can be chopped and diced and things of that nature, so I wanted to get the whole layout of what actually happened.” he added.

LeBron then also spoke to KD about the entire statement, confirming that despite it being a little weird, he did not necessarily want to hold onto something that would make him unhappy.

James admitted that he was at a stage in life where was really happy and did not want anything to really mess with his happiness.

“Got a phone call from KD,” James said.

“He mentioned how he felt and how the story…how he felt the story took a twist. And as a man, I can’t, I don’t hold on to things—too long. I’m too happy in my life right now, and I don’t hold on to anything that will take away from my happiness.” he added.

Do you think Kevin Durant will move to the Lakers?

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