The Denver Nuggets are on top of the world. While detractors are always present, the Nuggets have managed to shut most of them up with their historic championship win. This has also led to some jibes being thrown at the teams Denver managed to conquer during their run. The Los Angeles Lakers have been at the end of some disparaging comments from multiple Nuggets members, including head coach Michael Malone. However, LeBron James has seemingly had enough and let the world know via an Instagram post.

The Los Angeles Lakers star had a stunning response apparently to Malone’s jesting comment on retirement. His post has certainly added some spice to the offseason and fans quickly started decrypting his post. 

Malone’s Retirement Joke Sparks Off-Court Beef

The Nuggets coach, fresh off a championship win, was naturally in a jovial mood during his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on June 14th. He joked that he was thinking about retiring, in a reference to James’s comments after the Lakers’ playoff loss, that he was “undecided” about his future. 

And when asked about the Lakers, Malone replied, “Speaking of the Lakers, I just want you guys to know this is breaking news: I’m thinking about retiring. Only kidding, only kidding.” This was a clear reference to LeBron’s post-game comments after the Lakers’ defeat in the Western Conference Finals, where he hinted at retirement. 

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Malone’s joke seemingly didn’t sit well with LeBron, who was in Europe at the time. King James is known for his competitive spirit. He wasn’t about to let this slide. Within 48 hours, he took to Instagram to respond. 

James’ caption read, “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!” His cryptic post has since become viral with the fans.

Draymond Green, Carmelo Anthony and others certainly enjoyed LeBron James’ post

LeBron’s Instagram post caption was almost certainly a response to Malone’s retirement jibe. Many fans interpreted the post as a shot at Malone. The post was cryptic yet pointed, with one fan aptly commenting ‘Leshotsfired’. Another fan commented by saying, “Nuggets coach sobered up and regretting his comments right about now.”

Rapper Quavo also commented on the post, “ON GOD“. James’ friend Carmelo Anthony also decided to chime in, writing, “When In Doubt…STAYME7O”. Draymond Green commented, “Make being player cool AGAIN!” Kendrick Perkins also left a comment, writing his famous, “Carry the hell on…”

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This beef has added a new dimension to the Lakers-Nuggets rivalry, making their next encounter on the court a must-watch event. LeBron James, who initially sparked the controversy with his mention of retirement, now concluded his message with the statement, “I stay on forever.” He sent a clear message: he is here to stay.