This was far less than an interview, merely part of the peril of being a celebrity in Malibu, Calif.
So when TMZ's cameras caught up to Miami Heat President Pat Riley there over the weekend in a parking lot, he literally had to be quick on his feet as he moved toward the privacy of his car.
"The Lakers with Magic Johnson went to the Finals during 'Showtime' nine times in 12 years," Riley said.
Riley also somewhat deflected when asked whether he would be rooting for the James' Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals that open Thursday against the Warriors.
"I'd like to see a great Finals," he said. "I'm about a great Finals and I think it's going to be one of the best ever. But I love LeBron, we all do, he was part of our team for four years."
James went to the Finals from 2011 to 2014 with the Heat, winning championships in 2012 and '13. He then returned to the Cavaliers, advancing to these past three Finals, with a championship last season.
James left the Heat in the 2014 offseason, with Riley telling Yahoo Sports this past season, "When LeBron left, that was the most shocking thing to me _ not to say he was right or wrong _ and the most shocking thing to the franchise."
An attempt then was made by TMZ to ask Riley about sidelined Heat forward Chris Bosh, who soon is expected to be released by the Heat. Riley closed his door on that question.
Of the ambush interview, Riley said, "You think this is a big scoop?"
