LeBron James wasn't shy about tooting his own horn again, following some semi-praise for the aggressive moves the Eastern Conference contenders made before the trade deadline, fully knowing he no longer has a stronghold in the East. The Los Angeles Lakers star left the conference for the first time in 15 seasons after agreeing to a four-year, $154 million deal with the purple and gold, allowing for a free-for-all battle for the top spot in the conference.
“Those top teams in the East, yeah, they’re going for it,” James told Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “Toronto is going for it, Milwaukee’s going for it, Philly. Boston believes they can do it, too. They know they ain’t gotta go through Cleveland anymore.”
“Everybody in the East thinks they can get to the Finals because they ain’t gotta go through me.”
James singlehandedly brought the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals after dealing with Kyrie Irving's exit and injuries to Kevin Love, which impeded their progress, mustering only the fourth seed coming into the postseason.
The Cavs survived a seven-game opening series against the Indiana Pacers, swept the Toronto Raptors and emerged victorious from a vital Game 7 against the Irving-less Boston Celtics to reach the grand stage for the fourth straight time and James' eighth.
The Lakers now deal with a similar situation, but find themselves out of playoff contention, still a game and a half away from their hallway rival, the Los Angeles Clippers.
James will have to wear the cape once again, especially after these comments, as it's put up or shut up time for The King and his 28-27 Lakers.
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