LeBron James Comments on 2016 NBA Finals, Kevin Durant, 'Space Jam 2,' More
LeBron James has enjoyed his summer as a champion after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a historic come-from-behind NBA Finals win over the Golden State Warriors. He recently sat down with Business Insider's Alyson Shontell to discuss that and much more as the 2016-17 NBA campaign approaches.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway was how James was able to keep his teammates calm and lead by example after the Cavaliers fell behind 3-1—a deficit that was considered too monumental for Cleveland to overcome.
Speaking to Shontell, James revealed that he emphasized a one-game-at-a-time approach that allowed his team to not be overwhelmed by the moment.
"I sent a group chat text to my guys, saying, 'OK, listen: It doesn't matter what just happened. And I know we're all down about it, but in order for us to accomplish what no one believes we can do, we have to refocus and we have to re-lock in,'" he said. "'You guys do your part, and I promise you, as the leader of the team, I won't let you down. Just follow my lead.'"
Because the Cavaliers were able to heed James' advice and look to him as a leader in a time of uncertainty, they dethroned the Warriors after the defending NBA champions shattered the Association's record books by winning 73 regular-season games.
As if that weren't scary enough, the Warriors' stunning loss to the Cavaliers motivated them to stock up on talent over the summer; they secured Kevin Durant on a two-year, $54.3 million contract.
While James may be privately scheming for ways to beat the new-look Warriors, he had no issue with the four-time scoring champion taking his talents to the Bay Area.
"I think everyone had the 'wow' thing. My [reaction] was no different from the average person who doesn't know basketball to the person who watches it or covers it every day," James said. "So, I think it's all great for our league. Our league is very competitive."
James also noted the factors that motivate players to make such big decisions—like his move to the Miami Heat in 2010—differ on a case-by-case basis and can't necessarily be compared to one another.
Additionally, James confirmed he has interest in making Space Jam 2 in conjunction with Warner Bros., but he added there is no definitive plan in place.
"Obviously, we want to make sure that it's right," he said. "We don't want to rush it. We don't want to do something that's not authentic to the Space Jam brand. So, hopefully, we can get it right. But right now, where it stands, the Space Jam franchise is in a great place."
In May, the Hollywood Reporter broke the news that director Justin Lin had been tabbed to oversee the project. However, additional details regarding the sequel have been hard to come by.
Until they're announced, we'll keep dreaming of a supporting cast that includes Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade.
