LeBron James Has Bold Response To Outrage Over Memphis Comments
LeBron James isn’t worried about the criticism from some NBA fans. After receiving backlash for appearing to speak down on Memphis, Tennessee’s team, the Grizzlies, the 4x NBA champion said he stood by his comments in a new interview. In fact, while speaking with reporters, James said his critics should find something better to do than analyze his words.
LeBron James Makes Critical Comments About Memphis, Tennessee
According to a previous report by The Blast, James made headlines after criticizing Memphis and its NBA team.
“Staying at the f-cking Hyatt at 41 years old. You think I wanna do that sh-t?” James said during an episode of the “Bob Does Sports” show. “Being in Memphis on a f-cking random -ss Thursday?”
James was under fire, largely in part because many believed he was speaking down on a primarily Black city. He took it a step further when he implied he would’ve never played for the team during his 23-year run in the league.
“Yeah, they know,” he said. “Their only chance was in 2003 if they won the lottery, and I might’ve pulled an Eli Manning and not shown up.”
LeBron James Has A Bold Response To Those Blasting Him Over Earlier Statements
James was asked about the reaction to his comments during an interview with ESPN and maintained his stance.
“I said Milwaukee as well,” James said. “Did I say I don’t like Black people? I’m 41-years-old. There’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee and that’s Memphis.”
“What is the problem with that?” James continued. “I don’t like going home either, sh-t. And I’m from there.”
LeBron James Tells His Critics To Find Something Better To Do With Their Time
As the conversation continued, James implied that the outcry to his initial comments was an overreaction.
“People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that’s important,” he said. “Like seriously? I’m not talking about the city, the people in Memphis. I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Century. What’s wrong with that?”
He finished with an even bolder message than above, telling people to “chill the h-ll out.”
However, the reaction to his latest comments was much of the same, as one X user called him out for failing to realize why people were upset in the first place.
“He said a whole lot more than just not liking to play there,” someone wrote. “Said to move the entire franchise. F-ck LeBron.”
“Why is he being defensive about something that he said?” someone else wrote. “Be a man, take personal responsibility, [and] stand on business.”
James Gets Real About How The Media Put Him In A Dark Place After His Switch To The Miami Heat In 2010
Elsewhere during James’ appearance on “Bob Does Sports,” the father of three got candid about how the weight of being one of the league’s biggest stars put him in a “dark place.”
According to The Blast, James spent his first seven seasons in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Akron-born superstar left the Cavs in 2010 to play with the Miami Heat.
While his decision was largely in part because he wanted to win his first NBA championship, the reaction from the locals and Cavs ownership shook him more than he expected.
For example, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert blasted James in an open letter, calling him a coward, selfish, and “narcissistic.”
“Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us,” the letter stated. “The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.”
James knew the move to Miami was good for his career, he said. However, the “backlash” took a toll on him.
“So I allowed the media, I allowed everybody to put me in a dark place — and me enjoying basketball… and life in a dark place has never been me,” he said.
What’s Next For King James?
James’ current team, the Los Angeles Lakers, will compete for an NBA championship this season, and many are wondering whether it will be the last time they see James on the hardwood.
“When I know, you guys will know,” James said, according to ESPN. “I don’t know. I have no idea. I just want to live, that’s all.”
His answer does little to ease the minds of those who want the legend to return for a 24th season. Adding to the drama, James recently posted a carousel of photos featuring him on the court with his eldest son, Bronny James Jr., leading many to believe it was a goodbye message.
“Please bron, we need u GOAT, one more time,” someone wrote, while another said, “LeBron, just one more run, man.”
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