I didn't hear the statements, but reading them they don't come off whiny at all and he was clearly asked questions. I mean the ESPN article even says when asked to share the explanation.
Just because ESPN prints something and makes it a headline, doesn't mean there is anything abnormal going on, other than ESPN making a big story out of nothing. I mean Kawhi Leonard is in the Spurs press conference after every game, yet you'd think he never says anything (he is a bit less open than James is, but still answers the questions he is asked).