No White House Visit for the NBA Champions?

After a questionable “cancellation” of the Philadelphia Eagles visit following their Superbowl victory, the NBA’s most prolific player had some harsh words for the President of the United States. LeBron James, who has openly shown his disdain for President Trump, stated in his media availability yesterday that no matter who wins the NBA Championship, neither team would be attending the White House if they were invited.

“I know no matter who wins this series, no one wants an invite anyway. It won’t be Cleveland or Golden State going,” James stated after learning of the cancellation of the Eagles visit. While the administration states that the event was “cancelled” as per the Presidents request, they did admit that only a small number of players were willing to attend, and as a result, the event did not go on as planned.

“It’s typical of him. I’m not surprised. Typical of him” James said.

Golden State Warriors All-Star Stephen Curry echoed James’ sentiments. “I’m pretty sure the way we handled things last year, we’ll stay consistent with that,” Curry stated, referencing the refusal of the team attending the White House following the 2017 NBA championship. After the invitation was declined, the White House issued a statement rescinding the invitation prompting Lebron James to tweet “U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!”

U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017

Rather than attending The White House, the team toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture. They used that opportunity to connect with children from the community as part of their outreach efforts.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr had a similar opinion on the matter. Kerr, who has also been openly critical of the current administration, was quoted as saying “The president has made it pretty clear he’s going to try to divide us, all of us in this country, for political gain. It’s just the way it is. We all look forward to the day we can go back to just having a celebration of athletic achievement.”

He also added “The irony is that the Eagles have been nothing but fantastic citizens in their own community. I’ve been reading about Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long; these guys are studs, they’re amazing. It will be nice when we can just get back to normal – in three years.” referencing the Presidential Election in 2020.

Regardless of which team lifts the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy, it seems unlikely that an invitation will be issued to either team given the comments made.

The NBA Playoffs continue this evening with game 3 of the series taking place in Cleveland, with the Cavaliers hoping to get back into the series after dropping the first two games at Oracle Arena in Oakland.