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NBA insider sets the record straight on LeBron James' supposed beef with Nuggets HC Michael Malone

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte•06/19/23•

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lebron james michael malone
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The “beef” between NBA superstar LeBron James and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone may not be quite as intense as previously expected. The Athletic’s Shams Charania provided some insight on the relationship between the two.

While on the Pat McAfee Show, Malone trolled James’ retirement rumors. “Speaking of the Lakers, this is breaking news, I’m thinking about retiring,” Malone joked, mimicking the superstar.

After hearing the comments, James took to Instagram to respond. He seemed somewhat frustrated with the joke Malone made.

“In Europe for the last past few weeks minding my business and I hear I’m on your mind that much huh??? I mean I guess I see why. But Wave the flag on these lames!! Please make being player cool again cause the lame machine is at an all-time high,” James wrote. “Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN. I stay on forever!”

But in his own appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Charania provided some context on the “spat.”

“LeBron and Michael Malone (are) very close. So, I will say that. They have a good relationship, LeBron’s praised him in the past. I mean, listen, when LeBron’s in offseason mode, you know you’re gonna get some bars, some nice speeches on (Instagram).

“I just chalk it up to two people who like to have a little bit of fun in the offseason.”

So, maybe there isn’t a ton of tension between the two, after all. It could just be harmless jokes between the two that got blown out of proportion. That never happens on social media, though.

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Michael Malone wins first NBA championship

Even if James was truly upset with Malone’s comments, it probably didn’t bother the head coach too much. He just led the Nuggets to an NBA championship.

Malone is in his eighth season as the leader in Denver, and ninth NBA season as a head coach. The Nuggets have been a playoff team and a Western Conference contender each of the past five years. But this was the year they finally put it all together.

This was Denver’s first NBA title in franchise history, and with a strong core intact — anchored by Nikola Jokic — it could be the start of something special for the organization.

So, regardless of how James actually felt, Malone is probably still all smiles. Who wouldn’t be after winning their first NBA title as a head coach?