LeBron James will no longer take his talent back to the Philippines after the Cleveland Cavaliers star scrapped the first leg of his Asian Tour in Manila due to what organizers called 'logistical reasons.' However, there are rumors flying around that politics and the country's current situation also influenced James' decision to cancel his Philippine mini-camp.
James, who is coming off a title-winning run with the Cavs last season, was supposed to have his third trip in the hoops-crazy situation, but withdrew his commitment there at the 11th hour for a reason that is still hard to believe.
And although James and Nike stressed the cancellation of the minicamp was purely logistical, there are speculations that the Philippines' current state after the bombing in Davao and President Rodrigo Duterte's current beef with US President Barrack Obama ultimately helped James to decide on the matter.
Davao Bombing:
On September 2, 14 people got killed and 71 injured after a big blast at a night market in Davao City, the home city of the Philippines' incumbent president.
According to the Telegraph, ISIL-linked Abu Sayaff Group has already claimed the bomb attack in Davao, and promised to orchestrate more bombing across the country, particularly in the country's capital in Metro Manila.
This could be a legit reason why James is iffy to continue his trip to Manila. However, there's another speculation behind the King's change of heart. And this one is by far more controversial.
Duterte-Obama Beef:
Days before he leaves for Laos to attend the annual ASEAN meeting, President Duterte delivers a speech that addresses his firm stance on his bloody drug-busting undertaking in in the country.
However, it also contained slurs directed towards Obama, prompting the U.S President to cancel bi-lateral talk with the Philippine leader.
"You must be respectful," Duterte said of Obama. "Do not just throw questions." Using the Tagalog phrase for "son of a bitch," he said, "Putang ina I will swear at you in that forum." He made the comment to reporters in Manilla," via the Philippine Inquirer.
The three-time NBA MVP and champion is a massive Obama supporter, having endorsed the first Afro-American US President in two separate elections in 2008 and 2012. Duterte bad-mouthing Obama might have also contributed to James' decision to bypass the Philippines in his Asian Nike Tour.