Chapter 118: The True Leader

"He (LeBron) didn't do it on purpose, we didn't even notice each other at the time, and the team was put under the 'microscope.'"

"We had a one-on-one conversation after the game, discussing his role within the team, and we cleared that up."

Days later, when James found himself in the eye of the storm, it was then that Spoelstra brought up the [Shoulder Bump] incident again.

"That incident had nothing to do with LeBron, it was Nike staff who had confiscated the footage, and LeBron had no knowledge of it."

Nike senior executive Lynn Meritt also stepped forward in a timely manner to "explain" the situation at the time.

"Whether you win or lose a quarter is a matter of chance; luck outweighs skill."

"LeBron is a great team player, some people only care about their self-interest."

"Free agents have the right to choose, LeBron shouldn't be magnified."

Windhorst also went on ESPN to continuously advocate for James.