Fresh off their historic NBA championship win, the Denver Nuggets and their head coach, Michael Malone, are still basking in the glory. However, the Western Conference Finals, where they swept the Los Angeles Lakers, seems to remain fresh in Malone's mind. Following the Lakers' postseason exit, LeBron James has been focusing on family and business ventures, but he continues to be a prominent figure in NBA news.
Malone has openly expressed his opinion that the Nuggets were overshadowed by the Lakers during the Western Conference Finals. After securing the championship, Malone playfully jabbed at James during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show." Referencing the speculation surrounding James' potential retirement, Malone quipped, "Speaking of the Lakers, I just want you guys to know – this is breaking news – I'm thinking about retiring. So, don't tell anybody." He immediately clarified he was joking.
The possibility of James, a basketball legend, retiring has naturally drawn significant attention. Malone felt the Nuggets didn't receive the recognition they deserved amidst the James-focused discourse. A couple of days later, James seemingly responded to Malone's comments, and other criticisms, via an Instagram post. Without mentioning Malone directly, James wrote, "In Europe for the last past few weeks minding my business and I hear I’m on your mind that much huh??? I mean I guess I see why. But Wave the flag on these lames!! Please make being player cool again cause the lame machine is at an all-time high. Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN. I stay on forever!" The post included a picture of James waving a flag at Le Mans in France.
