The rookie isn’t backing down from anybody!
With the exception of Steph Curry’s ankle, the talk of the playoffs has been the war between the Detroit Pistons and their rift with LeBron James. This dates back to the 2000s rivalry between the King and current Pistons head coach, Stan Van Gundy. Just yesterday, Office Stanley was fined $25K for criticizing league officials, citing LeBron gets calls in his favor on both sides of the court.
Well, the young core of Detroit is standing behind their leader; but have unfortunately let their quality play in the first two games slip by them in the 4th quarters. Following another loss Wednesday night, Stanley Johnson had some words for King James after their road game.
The former 8th overall pick in last year’s draft, made the most of his limited time on the court this season – including currently playing significant defensive minutes against LeBron.
The 19-year-old rookie told reporters, “I’m definitely in his head. I wish he would just talk when the game is 0–0, not when he’s up 16 points.” While we respect confidence of the rookie in his first year, trash talking and giving the King added motivation may not have been their best idea.
Take a look at the on-court interactions between both parties below.
Johnson on LBJ/Cavs: "He jabbers. He moves his mouth sometimes. Their whole team does, kind of like their little cheerleaders on the bench."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2016
Watch Stanley Johnson shove LeBron under the basket…. and how James responds. pic.twitter.com/rSOUYZtIqK
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) April 21, 2016
Stanley Johnson shoves LeBron under the basket & the King Responds
Stanley Johnson on LeBron: "I wish he would just talk when [the game] is 0-0, not when he's up 16."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2016
LeBron James says 'Ima f— that n—- up' after dirty play by Marcus Morris. pic.twitter.com/iTkj3EgLr4
— Cavaliers Nation (@WeAreCavsNation) April 21, 2016
LeBron to Marcus Morris: I’m gonna fuck that nigga up
Stanley Johnson when asked why he's not afraid of LeBron as many other young players would be in same situation:
"Why would I be?"
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2016
Easy Lebron…. Taking a quick cheapy on Stanley Johnson after the timeout. pic.twitter.com/sV4QvQL10a
— Nick Griffith (@NickGriffithTV) April 21, 2016
LeBron chest bumps Stanley during timeout call
Johnson on LBJ: "He's going to have to strap his shoes in every night tight because I'm going to strap my shoes in every night tight."
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 21, 2016
LeBron: "It's not me versus Stan, me versus Stanley, or any other Stans they can possess." pic.twitter.com/sYbY8ljqh5
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) April 19, 2016
LeBron mocking both Stan’s before game two
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