LeBron James tells his fans to lay off Lakers reporter

There have been a lot of negative reports swirling about the Los Angeles Lakers in recent weeks, and it goes without saying that they have been a source of frustration for LeBron James. Despite that, LeBron took to social media on Sunday to defend the author of some of them.

Following Sunday night’s blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, LeBron tweeted that he had a “candid conversation” with Bill Oram of The Athletic. He said there are things the reporter published recently that were untrue but that he understands Oram was doing his job. James also told his fans and followers to “let him be.”

@billoram and I had a candid conversation after the game tonight and I know he has a job to do. I know what he wrote wasn’t truthful cause it never came from me. But I get it, SOURCES run this game. Nevertheless #LakerNation let him be cause he ain’t a bad guy. 🙏🏾✊🏾👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 28, 2022

LeBron was likely referring to a column Oram wrote last week. In it, Oram cited a source who likened the tension between James and the Lakers to “the early days of war.”

James can deny some of the specific details from Oram’s story, but there’s no question frustrations have boiled over. LeBron even seemed to take a subtle shot at L.A.’s front office recently.

A lot of the information Oram shared is almost certainly true. At least LeBron defended him on some level.

Photo: Nov 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports