What’s up with LeBron James’ former teammates talking like they’ve never played with him?
First, Nets guard Kyrie Irving – who played LeBron at the Cavaliers – said Kevin Durant was the first teammate he trusted to give a clutch kick.
Now, Pelicans striker Brandon Ingram – who played with LeBron at the Lakers – praised Zion Williamson.
Ingram:
I have never played with a player as talented as I am. And he is a generational talent.
Ingram is very talented. Williamson has even more advantages.
But LeBron is obviously more than just talking.
So what happened?
Perhaps Ingram is bitter. LeBron didn’t exactly treat his younger teammates very well in Los Angeles. Not only did LeBron push Ingram for months of Anthony Davis trading rumors, LeBron also invaded Ingram’s ability to play his game. Obviously, the Lakers were right to prioritize LeBron and Davis over Ingram. But that does not mean that Ingram cannot resent it.
Or maybe Ingram just didn’t choose his words perfectly. He had just played 37 minutes in New Orleans’ victory over the Pistons the night before. He wanted to praise his teammate. Perhaps Ingram decorated it without thinking.
Anyway, this is LeBron’s contempt.
But the intention is important.