Miami, FL — Bam Adebayo made it clear Tuesday that LeBron James should expect no favors now that the four-time MVP has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of the Miami Heat.
“I’m going to bust his a—,” Adebayo said with a grin when asked about James’s decision, recalling a text exchange between the two longtime friends.
The center spoke during his annual back-to-school event in Miami, where he distributed backpacks and supplies to thousands of children. While insisting there are “no hard feelings,” Adebayo said James’s choice gives him extra motivation for the upcoming campaign. “It’s going to be an exciting season. I’m excited for the East. We got a whole new turnaround in the East,” he added.
Adebayo and James grew close while capturing gold for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Heat were among the franchises linked to James in free agency before he ultimately selected Philadelphia.
“There ain’t no disappointment,” Adebayo said. “You should always be happy for a person and their decision. He made a decision where he feels like it’s his best situation to win.”
Entering his 10th NBA season, Adebayo also expressed enthusiasm about Miami’s recent acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. “I’m excited for the season. I’m excited to be his teammate. I’m excited for the city of Miami and the energy we gained,” he noted.
The All-Star reiterated his commitment to the franchise that drafted him. “I’m happy to be here. I got an organization that believes in me,” he said.
Although the camaraderie with James remains off the court, Adebayo said he looks forward to facing one of the Eastern Conference’s newest powerhouses when the regular season begins.
Source: Hoops Wire
