"I'm not gonna voice it" - Ric Bucher reignites LeBron James PED chatter with latest claim
NBA analyst Ric Bucher has suggested that many players and league personnel "secretly believe" that LeBron James may be using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) to prolong his career.
James' name was indirectly linked with the 2013 Biogenesis scandal due to his former trainer David Alexander and business associate Ernest "Randy" Mims. According to ESPN, Mims obtained testosterone for personal use from a dealer after being allegedly referred to by Alexander.
ESPN reported that James was investigated and cleared of wrongdoing by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
On an episode of the "On the Ball" podcast last month, Bucher said there are still questions surrounding James.
"I appreciate LeBron for what he's done," Bucher said. "I just don't make the assumption that everyone wants to be him. And there's also the nagging question about exactly how he's maintained such extraordinary fitness at such a ripe age.
"Now, whether there's any basis for the speculation, and I think you all know what I'm talking about, I'm not gonna voice it because I don't have the means of backing it up. But we all know what the speculation is out there. And I can assure you, there's plenty of it privately by players and personnel in the league."
Bucher believes that even if getting "some sort of boost," there is additional "dedication and discipline" to achieve James' conditioning in the latter stages of his legendary NBA career.
James appeared in his 22nd season and averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.0 steals per game. In 70 games, he averaged 34.9 minutes and shot 51.3%, including 37.6% from 3-point range.
"Damage would be irreparable" - Charles Tabansi reacts to Ric Bucher's comments about LeBron James
In Monday's "The Dreamerspro Show," Charles Tabansi addressed Ric Bucher's remarks.
"Why is it behind the scenes?" Tabansi said (Timestamp: 7:49). "If this became public knowledge, the whole thing will come tumbling down. ... The damage would be irreparable if it ever came out that was the case."
"If you dare ask the question, 'Yo, how is that dude at 40 years old playing like that? How is this posssible,' they going to come for you," Tabansi added (Timestamp: 9:50).
While Tabansi said there is no proof of the claims against James, hearing the claims from a reputable analyst like Bucher is "saying something."
LeBron James, who will turn 41 later this year, has a $52.6 million player option for next season. NBA insider Shams Charania said on Wednesday that the four-time champion is "likely to opt in."