LeBron James Trusts Lakers, He Says, Shutting Down Rumors

LeBron James was quick to shut down any talk of him being disgruntled with the Los Angeles Lakers after what was a disappointing first season with the team for the three-time NBA champion. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin had reported that the Lakers had a difficult task of rebuilding its trust with James after recent events.

The rift between the star player and the franchise was believable owing to the events of the past month that saw them miss out on the playoffs for a franchise-record sixth consecutive season. For James, it was the first time since the 2005-06 campaign that he was not part of the post-season.

Moreover, the Lakers have since parted ways with head coach Luke Walton, who was praised by James ahead of his departure while Magic Johnson, who was instrumental in getting the former Cleveland Cavalier star to Los Angeles, has also stepped down from his position as the team’s president of basketball operations.

McMenamin claimed that the Lakers will have a difficult task of building the trust back with James and this was discussed in detail on ESPN’s “First Take” on Wednesday morning. The 15-time NBA All-Star, who was at the Lakers practice facility at the time, was not having it and was quick to deny the claims made by McMenamin after watching the report.

“That. Is. Not. True,” James said laughing via a story on his official Instagram account. “That’s not true at all. I’m actually at the Lakers facility right now!”

Despite the disappointing debut campaign as a Laker, James has backed himself to get the team back to winning ways before his time in Lo Angeles comes to an end. He has even taken an active role in helping the Lakers recruit top free agents in the summer after admitting that reinforcements are required if they are to make an impact in the Western Conference.

The likes of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson among others are entering free agency on July 1 and James has already made a pitch inviting players to join him and challenge for championships in Los Angeles.

“I’m looking forward to seeing who jumps in the car with me and want to take this ride to the top. I know what I bring to the game. I know my commitment to the game. I’ve never cheated the game. Throughout my career, it’s always given back to me,” James told Allie Clifton of Spectrum Sportsnet.

“I’m not saying I’m guaranteeing a championship. I’m guaranteeing my body. I’m guaranteeing my mind will be and always be in a championship mindset until I’m done,” he added.