Although LeBron James endured periods in Miami of being one of the most hated players in sports, it’s hard to imagine a time in which the fans of his current team liked him less.
And perhaps it’s with that reason in mind that James decided it was time to do something for fans of the Lakers and sports fans in the city of Los Angeles as he did 1-on-1 interview with Allie Clifton for Spectrum SportsNet. It will air during the Lakers locally televised pregame show, but they released a sampling of it where James understands fan frustrations while also laying out his trust for the Lakers organization.
I wouldn’t have came here if I didn’t believe this franchise was about winning. And trying to do it everyday and become a sustainable franchise. That’s what this is all about, these right here (pointing to championship trophies). We see all the banners, we see all the greats that played this game. Some things that’s known don’t even need to be said.
I think Jeanie (Buss) and Linda (Rambis, Lakers senior advisor) and Magic (Johnson) and Rob (Pelinka) and everybody that has anything to do with this organization, the people behind these cameras right here. That’s what this is about. And it’s absolutely fair that our fans feel the way they feel.
When you’re a Los Angeles Laker over the course of time and everything you’ve done for this organization from Minneapolis all the way to Los Angeles, that’s how it should be. We’re either competing for a championship or winning championships. And I love that. I want to be someone to add to this room right here and hopefully I can be one of those individuals that helped bring greatness to this city.
James is not playing as he’s been shut down for the rest of the season, but he will likely be on the bench to watch his teammates face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
