LeBron James Didn’t Know Meaning of Word ‘Contraction,’ Backs Off Comments About ‘Watered Down’ NBA Talent

Not only is LeBron James suggesting that reporters have put words into his mouth, he's now claiming he doesn't even know the meaning of a word he supposedly used in a recent comment about the NBA.

According to ESPN.com, James has backed off his latest comments in which he said the league's talent is "watered down."

Seemingly, James hinted that contraction was the best option for the league, but on Monday, he came out and insisted that he doesn't even know what the word "contraction" means.

"That's crazy, because I had no idea what the word 'contraction' meant before I saw it on the Internet," James said after practice on Monday. "I never even mentioned that. That word never even came out of my mouth. I was just saying how the league was back in the '80s and how it could be good again. I never said, 'Let's take some of the teams out.' "

James' original comments spoke about the talent level that was on display in the NBA in the 1980s. James also spoke about how players like Minnesota's Kevin Love, as well as New Jersey's Brook Lopez and Devin Harris would benefit from playing on better teams.

Nets coach Avery Johnson had perhaps the best line, though.

"Maybe the league would be better if we didn't have three stars on one team," Johnson said upon hearing about James' initial comments.