LeBron James took to social media to hit back at the reporter who suggested the NBA icon was fed up with the Los Angles Lakers’ failure to make roster adjustments.
The Lakers suffered a torrid start to the 2022/23 NBA season but the franchise have appeared to turn a corner. Los Angeles are the most in-form team in the league with James leading the way in his unprecedented 20th season.
On Saturday night, James scored 37 points - along with seven assists and eight rebounds - to lead the Lakers to a crucial 136-134 win over the Sacramento Kings. The win was particularly significant as it signifies a fifth successive win for the Lakers as they can begin to eye teams above them in the Western Conference standings.
The win over the Kings pushes the Lakers slightly closer to entering play-in consideration, which is a stunning turn of events given Los Angeles’ faltering season suffered a crushing blow when Anthony Davis picked up an injury last month. Other stars have contributed recently, with Russell Westbrook thriving off the bench while Thomas Bryant and Dennis Schroder have improved.
On Sunday, though, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported James declared his ‘patience is waning’ with the Lakers front office, who are seemingly reluctant to deal future first-round picks to improve the roster following the 19-21 start. The flip side is that James is excelling in the twilight of his career and wants to win, while Los Angeles should want to capitalise on his everlasting greatness.
When quizzed about the lack of urgency regarding roster moves, Amick reported James said: “Y'all know what the f*** should be happening. I don’t need to talk.”
The 38-year-old reportedly wants to see the Lakers add another star to the fold to try and enable a championship push. However, James responded after the article went live as the NBA superstar appeared to clarify his comments.
“Hey Sam actually my patience isn’t waning,” James wrote to Amick on Twitter. “You make it sound like I’m frustrated when I’m really not.
“I told you over and over, my job is focused on the other guys in the locker room, my job isn’t on the roster. That’s the reality of that conversation. And I said what I said with the upmost respect and calmness cause that's the mood I'm in!. Your welcome!”
James, who signed off on the tweet with a winking face and his classic crown emoji, is enjoying a stunning season despite his team’s plight. The four-time MVP is averaging 27.2 points per contest, as well as 8.2 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
The Lakers currently sit 12th in the Western Conference, although they have the same number of wins as the eighth-place Portland Trail Blazers. James and co. will look to continue their impressive form when they face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.
