LeBron James Frustrated By Question About Ricky Rubio’s Retirement After Loss to Grizzlies

A frustrated LeBron James sat at his locker in Crypto.com Arena on Friday night after the Los Angeles Lakers fell, 127-113, to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was asked a string of questions about the team's performance and his mindset.

The call was made for one final question, and a reporter took the opportunity to ask about Ricky Rubio's career after the veteran guard announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday.

"I'm not really in the mood to answer this question, but I respect Ricky," James said, lacking enthusiasm. "Congratulations on a hell of a career."

James, who after 21 seasons in the league, understood that his monotoned response may be misconstrued, made sure get ahead of the criticism and defend his response.

"If I don't seem sincere when you see this video, it's because we got our asses whopped again, and I apologize," James said., directing his words at Rubio. "So, it was actually bad timing on the interviewer asking me this question. It's not me, Ricky, so, congratulations."

James' frustration has been mounting for some time, as Friday's loss marked the fourth straight for the Lakers, and 10th in their last 13.

Following a loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday, James declined to even speak with the media.

Friday's loss dropped the Lakers to 17-19, in 11th place in the West, one spot out of the NBA Play-In Tournament. Los Angeles has a long stretch of home games, with eight of their next nine at Crypto.com Arena. Up first, a matchup against the rolling L.A. Clippers, who have won five straight, on Sunday night.