OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 12: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the 2017 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 12, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

LeBron James speaks on what he owes the city of Cleveland as rumors swirl on his potential exit

He didn't mince any words.

LeBron James made quite a bit of noise recently in his interview with GQ magazine.

The big news to come out of the piece was the fact that James still thinks about the letter Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert wrote when James decided to take his talents to South Beach. Not only is that still on his mind from time-to-time, but he actually thinks the letter may have had some racial undertones.

That's huge news, so big, in fact, that it almost overshadowed the other massive quote to come from the interview. James was asked by Mark Anthony Green of GQ whether or not he feels like he owes the city of Cleveland anything. Considering the fact that he's already left Cleveland once, it's understandable that he doesn't think so.

With that said, James' answer was much stronger than a simple no.

"LeBron James owes nobody anything," he said. Nobody. When my mother told me I don't owe her anything, from that point in time, I don't owe anybody anything. But what I will give to the city of Cleveland is passion, commitment, and inspiration. As long as I put that jersey on, that's what I represent. That's why I'm there-to inspire that city. But I don't owe anybody anything."

That's a strong statement by James, and it may have Cleveland fans a bit worried, especially with the context of Gilbert's letter still being on his mind. James is signed with Cleveland through the 2018-19 season, but once he's a free agent again is it possible he leaves the Cavaliers behind for the second time?

According to his quotes, he doesn't owe anybody anything, including Cleveland.