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LeBron James Hates Being Called a Coach Killer

NBA star calls foul being blamed for David Blatt's firing.

Within minutes of the Cleveland Cavaliers firing head coach David Blatt, LeBron James heard the rumors that he was behind the move and even labels calling him a "coach killer."

Well, five days later, King James addressed that criticism with the media, including ESPN, and let's say LeBron isn't one for this.

"I think it does suck that people want to throw my name in the dirt," James said, acknowledging rumored reports that he was responsible for the Cavs replacing Blatt with Tyronn Lue.

"It sucks," James said. "But what can I do about it? I've never, in my time since I picked up a basketball, ever undermined a coach, ever disrespected a coach. You ask any of my little league coaches, my high school coaches, coaches I've played for in tournaments, camps, my NBA coaches. I've always respected what they wanted to do. And I'm not the owner of a team, I'm not the GM of a team. I'm the player of a team."

He added: "People get it so misconstrued because I'm a smart basketball player and I've voiced my opinion about certain things, which I did when I was here my first stint with Paul Silas and Mike Brown. Which I did in Miami with Coach Spo [Erik Spoelstra]. Which I did with Blatt and I'll do with T-Lue. And at the end of the day, they'll still have their final call."

It's not easy being the King.

In James's defense, though, despite Blatt having helped guide the team to the NBA Finals last year and top record in the Eastern Conference this season, there were reports about growing unrest in the Cavs locker room and serious questions regarding his ability to effectively lead them, resulting in his firing.

Being blamed for a coach's firing often comes with the territory of being an NBA superstar, but should it be that way?

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(Photo: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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