A recent ESPN report claimed the Los Angeles Lakers were already strategizing on ways to acquire LeBron's services when he becomes eligible to opt-out of his current contract with the Miami Heat in 2014.
Obviously, the chances of LeBron leaving Miami in a few years are slim to none, and the 2012 NBA Finals MVP made it clear that he has no time for mindless speculation. James' only focus right now is leading the Heat to another NBA title.
"I'm here, and this is what it's all about," James said about the ESPN report. "I'm preparing for this season, preparing to defend our title and that's it. This is where ... I'm here now. … That story, I don't know where it came from, but I understand why it came up because of who I am -- it's going to happen."
At this point, LeBron and his teammates are used to the endless speculation, but that doesn't mean they enjoy it. While LeBron tried to be diplomatic about the ESPN report, Dwyane Wade made it clear that he's tired of all the rumors.
"They [media] can leave my teammate alone, man," Wade said in his LeBron's defense. "Get on with that. He's going to be here. We're straight. So they can go and mess with somebody else."
While I completely agree with Wade's comments, I'm sure there will be many more rumors about the Heat for years to come.
Given the intense media scrutiny the Heat have had to deal with ever since LeBron and Chris Bosh decided to join forces with Wade, the "big three" certainly deserve a lot of credit for playing excellent basketball despite the harsh environment, and I'm sure they'll continue to do so.
At this point, it's actually fun to watch the critics reach at straws, in their desperation to derail what seems to be the next great dynasty in the NBA.
David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
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