National Basketball Association

LaMarcus Aldridge addresses rumors that he's unhappy with the Spurs

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:54 p.m. ET

Nunzio Ingrassia

LaMarcus Aldridge has played just one full season with the San Antonio Spurs, and he’s already the subject of rumors regarding his role on the team — specifically playing second fiddle to Kawhi Leonard.

The All-Star power forward tried to set the record straight Thursday on "The Jim Rome Show".

"I talk to [coach Gregg Popovich] daily and he's always telling me that I'm doing great," Aldridge said.

"[I'm] trying to be a more of a leader. He's put me in positions where I can be more of a leader. As long as the guys here aren't saying bad things to me. All my teammates have said nothing but great things to me."

The Spurs signed Aldridge as a free agent in the summer of 2015 after he spent his first nine years with the Blazers. Many expected him to be the Spurs’ main offensive weapon but Leonard’s continued growth left Aldridge as the No. 2 option.

But Aldridge contends that the team’s success is the main goal.

"I'm winning. Of course I'm happy,” Aldridge said. “That's why I don't buy into the rumors. I feel like I do my job here and I feel like I've done everything that they've asked. That's why I haven't bought into the rumors."