Cavs’ Koby Altman corrects a ‘misconception’ about signing LeBron James

Boston, MA - On February 7, 2019, LeBron James, wearing the number 23 jersey for the Los Angeles Lakers, protested a referee's foul call during a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston. This incident sparked a free-agency saga for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with LeBron James being a central topic of discussion during Koby Altman and Kenny Atkinson's media availability.

Altman addressed the misconception that trading for a big-name player would have secured LeBron's return, stating, "I think the misconception is, if we do something, that means [James] comes back. That's a misconception." The Cavaliers had watched as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown changed teams this summer, and while it's impossible to know if they could have pursued either player, they are confident in their current roster and coaching staff.

Altman emphasized, "We explore everything... We're a really active franchise. We explore different things, different prices, different price points, and to go out and get that caliber of player [like Antetokounmpo or Brown], you’re giving up a lot. Is that the best thing for the team and the best thing for our future?" The organization has maintained its core for most of the decade, with only limited changes to see what works best for their future.

Altman also declined to reveal any details about his meeting with James this summer, respecting the confidentiality of their conversation. The reason behind LeBron James' decision to choose the Philadelphia 76ers over the Cleveland Cavaliers remains a mystery.