LeBron James after ripping his sleeved jersey: ‘If fans love them, I love them’

Justin Carissimo
New York
Thursday 05 November 2015 18:37 GMT
Comments
LeBron James thinks about burning his new jersey.
LeBron James thinks about burning his new jersey. (Tony Dejak/Associated Press)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

We've found LeBron James' only weakness: Jerseys with tiny sleeves.

The youngest player to reach 25,000 points in NBA history has embarrassed defenses for 13 seasons. But on Wednesday night, facing the shell of a professional team the New York Knicks, James went 9-for-23 from the field. After missing a 3-pointer in the second quarter, James expressed his love for the team's new alternative jerseys by opening the sleeves of the Cleveland Cavaliers' new alternate jerseys.


King James' Cavs would top the Knicks 96-86, still, he addressed his frustration to ESPN on Thursday morning.

"I was just frustrated with myself, I was just off rhythm a lot tonight, and the jersey was the only thing I could go to. I couldn't do nothing to my face."

James continued by complimenting the jerseys, saying it's been awhile since the franchise has worn black uniforms. He also admit that he was more frustrated with his shot and "had to take it out on something."

"I mean, if the fans love them, I love them. That's what it's all about. I think our fans here in Cleveland and around the world and around the league love the uniforms. I'll wear them for 48 minutes in a ballgame. Obviously, I'm so used to the sleeveless cutoffs, whatever you want to call them — tank tops — I've been playing in tank tops my whole life. But for a game here, a game there, I don't mind it."

Clearly James is being a good sport, and possibly avoiding a fine by criticising the NBA. In March 2013, James gave a much less favourable review of the tiny sleeves that have become such a nuisance to his jumpshot.

"I'm not making excuses, but I'm not a big fan of the jerseys. Every time I shoot it feels like it's just pulling right up underneath my arm," he then told ESPN. I already don't have much room for error on my jump shot. It's definitely not a good thing."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in