LeBron James ‘Shocked’ by How David Griffin Described Him in Sports Illustrated

Although winning the 2016 NBA championship was one of the most joyous events in Cleveland history, former Cleveland Cavaliers general manager David Griffin recently admitted to Sports Illustrated that it wasn’t exactly a joyous journey for him.

Among the comments he made, Griffin said that LeBron James hasn’t been as committed to his craft since leading the Cavaliers to the top of the NBA in 2016.

“There wasn’t a lot else for him,” Griffin said. “I don’t think he’s the same animal anymore about winning.”

On Thursday, James posted a tweet that may have indirectly referred to that comment from Griffin.

Sources who know James personally told ESPN that they were “shocked” by how Griffin talked negatively about the three-time world champion in the Sports Illustrated article:

“Sources close to James told ESPN on Thursday they were ‘shocked’ at Griffin’s characterization of the superstar. James seemingly addressed the Griffin story via a tweet on Thursday without mentioning him by name.”

In that piece, Griffin also opened up about the tension he felt as he built the Cavaliers into champions after James’ return to the team in 2014.

“Everything we did was so inorganic and unsustainable and, frankly, not fun. I was miserable,” Griffin said. “Literally the moment we won the championship I knew I was gonna leave. There was no way I was gonna stay for any amount of money.”