LeBron James has seen the way fans have reacted this offseason with a number of star players changing teams, and he simply cannot sit quietly anymore.
On Thursday, LeBron sent a series of tweets defending those who have criticized his new teammate Isaiah Thomas and Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward, who chose to leave the Utah Jazz. In fact, you could even argue that James was defending Kyrie Irving for forcing his way out of Cleveland.
The burning of the jersey thing is getting ridiculous now! The man was traded. What do u not understand? & played in a game after …..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
sister tragic death. Gordon Hayward paid he's dues as well and decided to do what's best for him and family. Put in the work, got better….
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
Became an All-Star, etc!! If these guys weren't good, u guys would be the first to say "get them up out of here". Man beat it! When "we"….
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
decide to do what best for us it's "cowardly" "traitor", etc but when it's on the other side it's "business" huh!?!? Ooh ok. Man do…..
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
what u feel is best for your profession, love, family, happiness and continue to #StriveForGreatness #Salute
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
Burning any player’s jersey is idiotic, but why would a Celtics fan burn Thomas’ jersey? The guy had an MVP-caliber season last year and carried his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. While very few people would argue that he is a better player than Kyrie Irving, Thomas didn’t chose to leave and was a star during his time with the Celtics.
By saying players should do what is best for them and their families, LeBron is also defending Irving. That probably wasn’t a mistake. If LeBron can defend Thomas after some of the tweets Isaiah sent about him years ago, we’re not surprised he is taking the high road with Irving not wanting to be his teammate anymore.
