David Griffin, who now serves as New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president, worked as the Cleveland Cavalier’s general manager for three years. He faced numerous challenges working with LeBron James in that span, and he revealed them in an interview with Sports Illustrated.
“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.”
James found about Griffin’s story, and here is how he responded:
Alright alright. Enough is enough. The throne has been played with to much and I ain’t for horseplay. Ether coming soon! 😁🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👑 #JamesGang✊🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 1, 2019
Griffin believes that James’ contract structure with the Cavs contributed to problems in roster construction. After returning to Cleveland for a second stint with the Cavs in 2014, LeBron signed a one-year deal with a player option for the second season. In 2015, he penned a one-year contract with a player option for the following campaign. In 2016, James didn’t pick up the option, but he signed a two-year deal with a player option for a third year. James passed on the opportunity to pick up a player option in 2018 and became an unrestricted free agent. Soon after, LeBron signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers with a player option for a fourth.
Griffin also stated that he doesn’t think LeBron has the same winning mentality after bringing a championship to his home state.
“There wasn’t a lot else for him,” Griffin said. “I don’t think he’s the same animal anymore about winning.”
James had his own opinion on the matter.
“It’s nothing I need to get in this league that I don’t already have,” James said. “So, everything else for me is just like icing on the cake. Even though I love the process of everything that I go through to be able to compete every single night and put teams in position to compete for championships. But there’s nothing that I’m chasing or that I feel I need to end my career on.”
Despite differences in opinions, James and Griffin still have a positive relationship, and James was disappointed when Griffin and the Cavs parted ways. He even helped Griffin’s wife to promote her business.
BossLady always doing great stuff!! And we all know I LOVE some great 🍷! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/8yRMQ4NaKQ
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 19, 2019
