"If he really gets pushed to the brink, he might switch to UA next summer, and that would really give Nike a hard time."
However, Irving's attitude was essentially putting James on the hot seat.
He couldn't respond forcefully, as his public image would be damaged by engaging in a verbal spat with Irving, especially during such a critical season, and Nike wouldn't allow it either.
But by not responding, he was tacitly agreeing to what Irving had said.
Irving had him blocked from both ends.
Finally, frustrated, he made a statement to the media:
"Listen, you can love me, I know some of you also hate me, but there's one thing you must do, and that's respect me, appreciate the way I approach the game, and everything I have given to the sport."
This was a compromise, responding but in a milder manner, reminding Irving to respect him.
Then, Irving's response came too, posting on social media:
"I don't respect anyone, including Jordan, because I want to win."
