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After an agonizingly long wait, the world has finally heard LeBron James’ comments about Kyrie Irving’s anti-Semitic post on Twitter. The face of the NBA made his thoughts known regarding the league’s hottest and most controversial topic.
“King James” spoke to the media after the LA Lakers were beaten by the Utah Jazz on their home floor. Here’s what he had to say about Irving’s latest fiasco:
“What Kyrie did caused some harm to a lot of people. He has since apologized but he caused some harm, and I think it’s unfortunate. But I don’t stand on the position to harm people when it comes to your voice, your platform, or anything.
“It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, how tall you are, what position you are in, you are promoting, soliciting, or saying harmful things to any community that harm people, I don’t respect that, I don’t condone it.”
(Starts at the 6:05 mark)
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has already released a statement condemning Irving’s past actions. He will supposedly meet with the mercurial point guard in the next few days.
The Brooklyn Nets have already suspended Kyrie Irving without pay for at least five games until he fulfills “objective remedial measures.” Like Silver, the Nets took longer than most people were comfortable with in dealing with the incident.
Although most concerned parties have already said or done something, the world waited for LeBron James to say something. Many were hugely disappointed with James’ long silence, which wasn’t the case during the Robert Sarver issue.
Immediately after the NBA gave lenient punishment to Sarver for committing misogyny and racism as the owner of the Phoenix Suns, James promptly pushed back. When it came to the Irving issue, the four-time MVP’s silence was deafening.
Hall of Famer Reggie Miller called out the NBA players for their failure to speak up about what was right in Irving’s case. It wasn’t until the Nets suspended him without pay did somebody talk, including LeBron James.
LeBron James and Kyrie Irving could still end up as teammates despite the LA Lakers superstar’s comments
Kyrie Irving could return after his suspension and help Kevin Durant carry the Brooklyn Nets to the championship. Even if that were to happen, his tenure with the franchise is likely to be over as soon as the season ends.
By that time, Irving’s long-rumored desire to reunite with LeBron James in Hollywood could finally become a reality. As a free agent, the seven-time All-Star can choose where he wants to play next, which would likely be with the LA Lakers.
As controversial as “Uncle Drew” has been throughout his career, he was unquestionably the most successful alongside LeBron James. If not for Irving’s demand to be traded out of Cleveland, the two could have given more titles to the Cavaliers.
Kyrie Irving’s wayward path started when he wanted to walk away from the shadow of “King James.” Perhaps he could also resurrect his career if he teams up again with a player who has helped him attain more success than anyone else.
Guess the Lakers players!
