As soon as LeBron James heard about Serge Ibaka criticizing his defense and saying he is incapable of covering Kevin Durant, he knew the media would be looking for a response. Ibaka was undoubtedly trying to get a rise out of LeBron, but rather than starting a trash talking war James held himself back when asked about it on Tuesday — sort of.
“I don’t really care what he says, he’s stupid,” James said according to ESPN.com’s Heat Index. “Everyone says something to me every series, then (the media) tries to get a quote. It’s stupid.”
Well, they kind of just did. LeBron’s point about people trying to get under his skin all the time isn’t really debatable, but “he’s stupid” is pretty much the exact reaction writers and reporters were looking for. They may have preferred a more long-winded response, but a personal insult will do.
In any event, I tend to side with LeBron in this (non)argument. Ibaka may have been trying to stir the pot a little, but there’s no need for him to give LeBron more motivation in a series where the Thunder already have to dig themselves out of a hole. If James somehow manages to shut Durant down in Game 4, Oklahoma City fans know who to thank.
Photo credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
