The NBA has several checks and balances in place, like the Draft lottery system, to ensure that a select few teams don’t dominate the league persistently. However, the NBA media still seem to have problems coming to terms with it. Popular media figures like Stephen A. Smith complaining about having to go to somewhere like Milwaukee(albeit half-jokingly) to cover the Finals, instead of places like South Beach or LA, have become a staple in basketball television. This year’s NBA Finals have proven that the idea that small market teams ousting the big market teams in the playoffs is bad for business doesn’t always work. However, the NBA media seem to be fixated on their archaic beliefs. Therefore, Michael Malone caused a ruckus after calling them out following the Nuggets’ Finals victory, by throwing a jibe at LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on the Pat McAfee show. However, things took a different turn after a clip of the Nuggets’ head coach praising LeBron James recently resurfaced on the Internet.
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The NBA media has faced criticism from several sections of the NBA community for its obsession with the Lakers. The fact that the LA side dominated the headlines despite Denver sweeping them in the Western Conference Finals rubbed Michael Malone the wrong way. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Malone said, “Speaking of the Lakers, I want you guys to know-this is breaking news-I’m thinking about retiring…only kidding…But the frustration in the series with the Lakers was that…We win Game 1 against the Lakers and the headlines are-‘Lakers Figure Out Nuggets!‘”
Malone highlighted the fact that the media were more interested in LeBron James’ potential retirement and the Lakers’ Draft choices, than the NBA Finals contenders. Pat McAfee and the entire crew of the show resonated with the Nuggets’ boss’ sentiment.
Resurfaced 2018 clip shows Michael Malone picking LeBron James over Michael Jordan in GOAT debate
A resurfaced clip from 2018 has been gaining traction on social media, where Malone praises LeBron James’ accomplishments in the league. In the clip posted by the fan account LeBron History, Malone explains during a press conference:
“What he’s[LeBron] been able to do in his career is remarkable. And there are some great players when you look at NBA history. But the ongoing debate-Michael Jordan, LeBron James…at the end of the day, LeBron’s numbers speak for themselves. I think what separates him from so many other players is his ability to make everyone around him better.”
Mike Malone on LeBron’s greatness (2018) pic.twitter.com/lUHTV5sS2A
— LeBron History 🏀 (@bronhistory) June 17, 2023
Fans have reacted to the clip in numbers, seeing how things have changed over the years. Incidentally, Malone and James go way back. The 51-year-old was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, when LeBron James was almost single-handedly carrying the roster deep into the playoffs.
King James fired back at Malone
LeBron James recently waved the flag at 24 Hours of Le Mans. The King posted a photo of the same on his Instagram and wrote in the caption:
“In Europe for the last past few weeks minding my business and I hear I’m on your mind that much huh??? I mean I guess I see why. 🤷🏾♂️ But Wave the flag on these lames!! Please make being player cool again cause the lame machine is at an all-time high. Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN. I stay on forever! 😉🫡🙏🏾👑”
The Nuggets are still in celebration mode. However, the beef between Malone and James will surely make the Lakers-Nuggets matchup more interesting next year.
