LeBron James purposely blocks out outside world during playoffs
Dear outside commentators: It's the playoffs and LeBron James can't hear you.
The Cleveland Cavaliers forward told the media on Tuesday ahead of Game 2 against the Boston Celtics that he remains purposefully oblivious to comments from the outside world.
"Because I don't care about nonsense," replied LeBron when asked why he keeps himself closed off during postseason.
"There's too much nonsense out there. Not during this time. I lock in right now. And I don't need nothing creeping into my mind for no reason that don't need to be there. I save all my energy and effort towards this team. That's all that matters."
During postseason competition, LeBron makes sure he has zero access to technology and does not go on social media. He keeps in touch with his family every day, but other than that, he does not feel the need to be connected during the postseason. He told the media that he is around his team every day and sees his fans at games, so it is not necessary to have an extra form of communication.
James is rightfully saving his energy to carry his team to what he hopes is a long road to what would be the city's first ever championship. With his 12 years of experience in the league and now 10th trip to the postseason, he has taken on a leadership role, which he says requires him to be in tune, perhaps more than anyone else.
So, remember that shot that Miami Heat president Pat Riley took at LeBron on Monday, hinting that the small forward was a smiling face with a hidden agenda last summer? LeBron is apparently unaware of the details.
"Whatever he said really, to me, it's not my concern right now," James said with a laugh. "My concern is Game 2. But I have no notion of what transpired yesterday."
And comments his first-round opponents made about Cleveland having defensive areas for the Celtics to exploit? LeBron only learned of it at the press conference.
"I don't see it, I don't really hear about it, until I come here and some people point it out. I don't have no form of communications right now," James explained.
LeBron is not concerned with missing out on too much, since the media keeps him pretty well informed.
"I don't know what is going on out in the world right now, besides what people tell me. I guess you guys just keep me informed, I appreciated it. You guys can be my form of communication through this thing. I need it."