The Denver Nuggets may still be enjoying the first NBA championship in franchise history, but their head coach seems to still have the Western Conference Finals on his mind.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a four-game sweep in the conference finals. The Nuggets advanced to the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Miami Heat in five games.
Since the Lakers’ postseason exit, James has primarily focused on his family and business off the court. Yet he still manages to make headlines in the NBA world.
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Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets speaks to the media after winning game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat on June 12, 2023 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Malone has expressed his belief that much of the focus during the Western Conference Finals should have been on the Nuggets, rather than the Lakers.
But, after his team not only swept the Lakers, but also won the title, Malone decided to criticize James.
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«And speaking of the Lakers, I just want you to know, this is breaking news, I’m thinking about retiring. So don’t tell anyone,» Malone said during a recent appearance on «The Pat McAfee Show» in reference. to the conversation that revolves around the possible retirement of James.
Malone indicated that he was joking, as he immediately laughed after his comments.
Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets hangs out with LeBron James (6) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA All Star game tour at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, February 19, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The idea that one of the greatest players in NBA history could soon walk away from the game certainly draws attention.
But, in Malone’s estimation, the amount of attention on James left the Nuggets feeling a bit underappreciated.
May 16, 2023; Denver, Colorado, United States; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone points as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) looks on in the first quarter during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals for the NBA playoffs in 2023 at Ball Arena. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James discusses a call during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio José Sánchez)
Just two days after Malone made his comments, James took to Instagram to respond to everyone who has recently criticized him directly.
Although he didn’t specifically mention Malone’s name, the social media post certainly seemed to be directed at the Nuggets coach.
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«In Europe for the last few weeks minding my own business and heard I’m so much on your mind huh? I mean I guess I understand why. But wave the flag in these lames! Please make it great to be a gamer again cause the lame machine is at an all time high Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN I’m staying forever!James captioned a photo of him waving the flag at Le Mans in France.