The Unsubstantiated Rumor: Delonte West and Gloria James
A widely circulated but unsubstantiated rumor alleged an inappropriate relationship between former NBA player Delonte West and Gloria James, the mother of his then-Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, LeBron James. This rumor gained significant traction around 2010, particularly during the NBA playoffs.
Core Elements of the Speculation:
- Allegation: The core of the rumor was a supposed intimate relationship between West and Gloria James.
- Timing and Impact: It surfaced prominently during the 2010 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the Cavaliers faced the Boston Celtics. Some media outlets and fans speculated, without proof, that this alleged situation contributed to LeBron James's and the team's performance issues and his subsequent departure from Cleveland.
Absence of Evidence:
It is critical to state that no credible evidence has ever emerged to substantiate these claims. The narrative was largely fueled by online speculation and gossip, lacking any factual basis from reliable sources.
Delonte West has, on multiple occasions in later years, publicly denied the rumor and expressed distress over its enduring nature and the negative impact it has had. The story is generally regarded as a baseless and damaging piece of sports-related gossip.
