“Know I’m the Sun”: LeBron James Fires Back at Nuggets Coach Michael Malone

• LeBron James has fired back at Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone who mocked him a few days ago
• Malone appeared to direct a jibe toward James a few days ago before their championship parade
• The Nuggets swept James' Los Angels Lakers in the Western Conference finals before beating Miami Heat in the 2023 NAB Finals

LeBron James has responded to comments made by Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.

The newly crowned NBA champion recently poked fun at James's retirement hint a few days ago, adding fuel to the fire.

Malone was unhappy with the coverage of the Western Conference finals between the Lakers and his Nuggets. He took issue with the media putting more focus on the Lakers instead of his team, who were dominant. He wanted Nikola Jokic, who went on to win Finals MVP, to get more recognition.

Many Lakers fans felt Malone was taking it too far by talking about the Lakers instead of celebrating their NBA championship triumph.

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"All everybody talked about was the Lakers," Malone said after Denver's Game 2 win. "Let's be honest, that was a national narrative: The Lakers were fine. They're down 1-0 but they figured something out. No one talked about that Nikola just had a historic performance," via ESPN.

James responds to Malone

Speaking during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Malone appeared to poke fun at the Lakers’ veteran.

“Speaking of the Lakers, I just want you guys to know this is breaking news—I’m thinking about retiring. Only kidding, only kidding,” Malone said, via SI.

The 20-year veteran, who had been in France as the official starter for 24 Hours of Le Mans, responded with a cryptic Instagram post.

“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. Enjoy your light but just know I’m the SUN. I stay on forever! 😉🫡🙏🏾👑,” James wrote in his post.

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Malone was an assistant coach in James’s first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 to ’10. The Nuggets coach was employed by the Cavs from 2005-2010, helping the franchise get to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007.

James hints at retirement

Sports Brtief earlier reported on LeBron James hinting at retirement after the Lakers were swept in the Western Conference finals.

He has played 20 years in the NBA and turns 39 in December, leaving fans with a cryptic message which raised many questions.

"I got a lot to think about, to be honest. Just personally, with me moving forward with the game of basketball, I got a lot to think about."