With five days to reflect on LeBron James' departure, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman admitted feeling "a level of hurt" upon first learning the news. The hurt was shortly replaced by gratitude.
"It was an incredible four years, and when you first get hit with it, there is a level of hurt," Altman said Friday at Summer League, according to Cleveland.com. "You're hurt because of what you went through for the four years with him and what he meant to us.
"But I was extremely thankful, at the same time. I realize what we accomplished this year and the last four years and we did a lot. I mean, it was four incredible years led by him and I'm very thankful for the years he gave our team, this organization, and the city."
James announced his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakes in a statement Sunday night. He reportedly left the country right after the announcement and has not made any public statements about the move since. James has, however, been busy sharing exploits and stunning views from his vacation on social media.
Altman's remarks at Summer League in Las Vegas were his first public comments since James chose the Lakers. Altman stressed the team was "not bitter" and said James deserved the luxury of making any decision he wanted after spending 11 of his first 15 seasons in Cleveland.
"I think this was a decision largely for him and he deserved that," said Altman. "He deserved to make this decision for him and his career and what he wanted to do. So, we can't take it personal. We're not bitter. We're thankful and happy that he spent the last four years with us."
James' change of scenery has already drastically altered the landscape of the NBA, with the Lakers' championship odds vaulting into the upper tier of the league. Altman and the Cavaliers have been left to pick up the pieces in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
