• Cam Payne trash-talked LeBron James in 2021 during a Suns-Lakers matchup
• LeBron told Payne to stay humble in the interaction
• Payne was waived by the San Antonio Spurs and is currently out of the league
LeBron James has been in the NBA since 2003, which means he has seen his fair share of stars come and go over 20 years. He has seen how cruel the NBA can be and warned Cameron Payne of the same during a 2021 matchup where Payne was trash-talking James while on the Suns. With Payne now being waived and out of the NBA, this moment has come back to haunt him, as James told him to stay humble.
Remember when LeBron told Cam Payne to stay humble!!
Life comes at you fast🤭🤭 https://t.co/K2cyTsyAal pic.twitter.com/z58t4vIqXD
— Raquel 🫶🏾 (@SOULbeautifulme) September 11, 2023
Payne was traded to the Spurs in a throwaway deal, which allowed the Suns to shed salary. It was unlikely that Payne would find a role on that young Spurs squad, especially after his unimpressive averages of 10.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.2 rebounds last season. Payne was not integral to the Suns roster and is now sitting without a contract just a few weeks out from training camp.
Will Cameron Payne Find A New Home?
Payne is a 29-year-old point guard and could have something to provide for a contending team still. Most contending teams already have established guard lineups and Payne is not an upgrade for any roster in the NBA.
He isn’t valued as a veteran either, so it’ll be tough for him to find a home in the league. Maybe if he’s available later in the season, an injury-riddled team could bring him back to see if he has any value left to offer.
Leaving the NBA is a tantalizing option for Payne, who could have a solid career overseas. Former NBA players are treated like royalty in China and Payne could go down that path for a season or two until the NBA comes calling again. He could also take the Kemba Walker path and see what the EuroLeague has to offer. There are various options, so we will definitely see Payne hoop again.
LeBron James Doesn’t Talk Trash Below His Level
As Lebron James has gotten older, he has indulged less and less in trash-talking games. Young players try to come at LeBron extra hard because he’s the measuring stick of the modern NBA. When players like Dillon Brooks do everything they can for a reaction from James, LeBron usually keeps his cool. In this case, he gave Payne advice which seems to be prophetic now.
Trash-talking isn’t necessary for a player like James but it’d be nice to see him remind the young players in the NBA how elite of a player he is, even after 20 seasons of miles on his body.
James averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists last season and has very little to prove to players in the NBA. Cam Payne was never on James’ level and trash-talking him seems like a foolish idea now.
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