LeBron James called out the NBA after Kawhi Leonard injury
By Josh Hill
LeBron James laid waste to the decision-makers atop the NBA after another slew of injuries has rocked the playoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers might be out of the NBA Playoffs, but LeBron James is still managing to step into the spotlight.
LeBron responded to the most recent rash of injuries to star players on Wednesday, notably the loss of Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard. After suffering what the team believes is an ACL injury, Leonard is expected to miss the remainder of the Clippers Conference Semifinals series against the Utah Jazz.
So goes Leonard, so goes almost all hope the Clippers have of winning the series.
The loss of Leonard comes on the heels of both James Harden and Kyrie Irving being forced from games in the Nets series against the Bucks due to injuries. Harden returned in Game 5 but at far less than 100 percent and perhaps too early given the nature of his hamstring injury. As for Kyrie, it’s uncertain when he’ll be able to return, and to what effect his injury will ultimately have on sinking the Nets season.
Aside from his observations, LeBron has been directly impacted by the wave of injuries. Anthony Davis was injured during the Lakers first-round series against the Suns, something that no doubt added to Los Angeles’ early exit from the playoffs.
There’s a direct line between the injured stars and how it impacted their team’s playoff journey. LeBron James wants everyone to know he called it ahead of time and isn’t pleased about what’s going on.
LeBron James calls out NBA over injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving
As the bad news of more injuries was announced on Wednesday, LeBron launched into an apology to fans that morphed into him calling the league out.
They all didn’t wanna listen to me about the start of the season. I knew exactly what would happen. I only wanted to protect the well being of the players which ultimately is the PRODUCT & BENEFIT of OUR GAME! These injuries isn’t just “PART OF THE GAME”. It’s the lack of PURE
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 16, 2021
works all year round it’s ME! I speak for the health of all our players and I hate to see this many injuries this time of the year. Sorry fans wish you guys were seeing all your fav guys right now. 🙏🏾👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 16, 2021
And I know all about the business side too/factors so don’t even try me! I get it.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 16, 2021
🙏🏾 to the 🖐🏾Klaw
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 16, 2021
The crux of LeBron’s anger stems from the fact that the league rushed the start of a new season so soon after the end of last year’s playoff bubble. Rather than having a full offseason to rest, players who participated in the bubble had mere weeks to rest before the start of a new, albeit shortened season.
The bill has now come due.
For reference, and emphasis of LeBron’s rage, here’s a quick list of the superstars who have been injured and/or missed time in the playoffs due to injuries.
- Anthony Davis
- Kawhi Leonard
- Kyrie Irving
- James Harden
- Joel Emiid
- Luka Doncic
- Mike Conley
- Kemba Walker
- Donovan Mitchell
Even before the playoffs began the injury cloud was forming. Jamal Murray was lost for the season and the Nuggets were never the same without him.