Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James wasted no time firing back at those who criticized him for his recent comments about the city of Memphis. In a recent appearance on the Bob Does Sports YouTube channel, James said he would have “pulled an Eli Manning” if the Grizzlies had won the draft lottery and drafted him in 2003.
James was asked by a reporter on Friday about those comments and the backlash he received as a result. He did not mince words.
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“Did I say I don’t like Black people? … I’m 41 years old. There’s two cities I don’t like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee, and that’s Memphis. What is your problem with that? I don’t like going home either. Sh*t, And I’m from there. People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son being on the team, too. So what are we talking about? People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that’s important.”
He went on to clarify that he’s not referring to the people that live in these cities when has makes these comments.
“I’m not talking about the city, the people in Memphis. I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric, what’s wrong with that?”
His swift response clarified that Memphis and Milwaukee are the two cities he doesn’t like playing in, while also shedding light on the fact that he doesn’t like going back home to play in Cleveland either.
James has arguably faced more criticism than any professional athlete in history. In his 23rd season with nothing else left to prove, he seems more willing to dispute his critics directly.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
