SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge addressed rumors that surfaced on Tuesday that indicated the team was open to trading Aldridge during the season.
Aldridge appeared as a guest Thursday on "The Jim Rome Show."
Aldridge was asked by Rome about the trade rumors which were initially reported by veteran ESPN.com NBA writer Jackie MacMullan, who said Aldridge has not fit in as well as the franchise hoped, and the experiment has not worked.
“I didn’t buy into it. I haven’t heard anything about it. I talk to Pop daily and he’s always telling me I’m doing great,” Aldridge said. “He’s putting me in positions where I can be more of a leader. As long as the guys in my family here aren’t saying bad things, I’m fine.”
Rome then asked Aldridge directly if he was happy in San Antonio and with the Spurs.
“Yes, for sure, I am. We made history last year. They incorporated me into the family and tried to make me one of the big pieces. I’m from Texas, and I see my family,” said Aldridge.
“I’m winning. Of course, I’m happy. That’s why I don’t buy into the rumors, and I feel like I do my job here, and I’ve done everything they have asked from me. That's why I haven’t bought into the rumors,” said Aldridge.
The Spurs play their final their preseason game Friday night at the AT&T Center against Houston.
They will then travel to Oakland to face the Golden State Warriors Tuesday on the NBA’s opening night.
You can here the full interview with Jim Rome below: