LeBron rips IT jersey-burners: 'What do you not understand?'
LeBron James fired back at fans who've voiced their displeasure with offseason moves by burning the jerseys of their teams' departed stars.
Footage of a fan burning the jersey of now-former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas blew up on social media in the wake of the blockbuster trade that sent Thomas, Jae Crowder, and additional assets to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving.
The burning of the jersey thing is getting ridiculous now! The man was traded. What do u not understand? & played in a game after .....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
sister tragic death. Gordon Hayward paid he's dues as well and decided to do what's best for him and family. Put in the work, got better....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
Became an All-Star, etc!! If these guys weren't good, u guys would be the first to say "get them up out of here". Man beat it! When "we"....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
decide to do what best for us it's "cowardly" "traitor", etc but when it's on the other side it's "business" huh!?!? Ooh ok. Man do.....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
what u feel is best for your profession, love, family, happiness and continue to #StriveForGreatness🚀 #Salute
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
Thomas had not publicly asked to be traded, and was under contract with the Celtics, so his shocking departure was ultimately not his decision to make.
Former Utah Jazz star Gordon Hayward's choice to join the Celtics sparked its own jersey-burning display. James was quick to defend Hayward's autonomy in a sport where every transaction is both deeply personal, but also a matter of business.