During the Cleveland Cavaliers’ game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, LeBron James tore the sleeves on his uniform in apparent frustration with the material that was draping his arms.
Lebron’s apparent distaste for the sleeved jerseys isn’t some huge secret. Back in March of 2014, LeBron stated that he felt like the sleeves restrict his movement.
“I’m not making excuses, but I’m not a big fan of the jerseys,” said James, who had 19 points. “Every time I shoot it feels like it’s just pulling right up underneath my arm. I already don’t have much room for error on my jump shot. It’s definitely not a good thing.”
However, likely because the league has to sell these jerseys to fans (no matter how poorly they have sold in the past), LeBron offered the faintest of faintest praise for the sleeved jersey after the Knicks game.
“I mean, if the fans love them, I love them,” James said. “That’s what it’s all about. I think our fans here in Cleveland and around the world and around the league love the uniforms. I’ll wear them for 48 minutes in a ballgame. Obviously, I’m so used to the sleeveless cutoffs, whatever you want to call them — tank tops — I’ve been playing in tank tops my whole life. But for a game here, a game there, I don’t mind it.”
“But for a game here, a game there, I don’t mind it.” – The most enthusiastic endorsement of the NBA’s sleeved jersey that will ever be mustered by an actual human being.
