LeBron James has no plans to meet with Phil Jackson after 'posse' comment
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James said he doesn't plan on talking to New York Knicks president Phil Jackson after Jackson made comments about James and his business partners.
Jackson referred to James' associates as a "posse" when discussing the four-time NBA MVP's time with the Miami Heat. Jackson recalled one story when James wanted to spend an extra night in Cleveland during a road trip.
"So now [coach Erik] Spoelstra has to text [Pat] Riley and say, 'What do I do in this situation?' And Pat, who has iron-fist rules, answers: 'You are on the plane. You are with this team.' You can't hold up the whole team because you and your mom and your posse want to spend an extra night in Cleveland," Jackson said.
The Cavaliers play the Knicks in New York on Wednesday and when asked directly if he would like to speak with Jackson, James said, "No."
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"Didn't affect me, just know how much further we still have to go and how far we still have to go as African-Americans, even in the light of today," James said. "For me, I've built my career on and off the floor on the utmost respect and I've always given the utmost respect to everyone -- all my peers, people that's laid the path for me and laid the path for coaches, players, things of that nature."
James, who is averaging 23.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists this season, also said the controversy would not affect the way he approaches the upcoming game against New York.
"My only mindset is to get our guys ready and execute the game plan. I got a job to do every night and that's to lead this group, and I'll do that," James said.
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