LeBron defends Davis comments
LeBron James has played down his comments about wanting to play alongside Anthony Davis by reeling off a host of stars he would love to be his team-mate.
James this week stated that it would be "amazing" if the Los Angeles Lakers signed New Orleans Pelicans forward Davis.
Four-time NBA MVP James starred when he lined up against Davis on Friday, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists in a 112-104 win for the Lakers.
Speaking after registering a third triple-double in a Lakers shirt, James said he had no regrets about discussing a player contracted to another team - and listed several other NBA stars he would welcome sharing a locker room with.
LeBron James tallied his third triple-double of the season, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists #LakersWinpic.twitter.com/QwOK4G30jz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 22, 2018
"What'd I do?" James stated when asked about his comments on Davis. "What did I do? Was it right or wrong?"
He added to a reporter: "Ask me if I'd like to play with Kevin Durant, ask me right now" and replied "absolutely" after the journalist obliged.
James continued: "Jimmy Butler, say it right now, absolutely. Ask me about Kyrie Irving, Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. Ask me about [Joel] Embiid, Ben Simmons. Go ahead, all of them. Luka Doncic. Ask me right now.
"Come on guys, this is not rocket science. These are great players. Absolutely. I would love to play with a lot of great players. That's just who I am. People get caught up in bunches sometimes when they wish they could control what you say, and they can't control me, at all.
"And I play by the rules."
James was not surprised his remarks about Davis, who scored a game-high 30 points in the defeat to the Lakers, caused such a stir.
"Of course not, no," he said when asked about the reaction to his comments. "Anything I say will generate something."
