After the San Antonio Spurs stomped the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, Heat president Pat Riley issued a challenge to his stars to stick together and not run out the door at the first opportunity. Apparently LeBron James didn't receive that message too well, according to Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick.
LeBron James reportedly didn’t take Pat Riley’s challenging press conference well
Riley challenged his stars to stick around during his season-ending presser, and James reportedly didn’t take those words too kindly.
Andy Lyons
Riley's challenge isn't the only thing management did that peeved James in the last year. James was upset about the amnesty of his friend Mike Miller, which was done simply to lower luxury tax payments. The four-time MVP also reportedly wasn't crazy about some of head coach Erik Spoelstra's coaching decisions this year, especially in the Finals loss to San Antonio.
The King comes home
Since that challenge, James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have opted out of their contracts. The initial belief was that all three would be back anyway, but James' agent, Rich Paul, began meeting with other teams when free agency started. And now, rumors are swirling that James is headed back to the Cleveland Cavaliers, opening the door for Chris Bosh to go to the Houston Rockets.
Who knows if Riley’s words are playing a big part in James’ decision. If James does leave for Cleveland, it’s likely for a variety of reasons. But if that challenge does help drive James out, that would sting Riley for a long time.
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