LeBron James

Watch: LeBron James heckled in New York

Published

June 24, 2025

LeBron James walking to the bench during a timeout of Friday's overtime game

LeBron James may be arguably the greatest player in NBA history. He is also one of the most popular players the league has ever seen.

Despite all of this, he isn’t loved everywhere. LeBron found this out the hard way in a recent trip to New York City.

Related: Tom Brady calls LeBron James “the greatest ever” at Fanatics Fest

LeBron was in New York over the weekend as he was attending Fanatics Fest. It appeared LeBron was having a good time and was even called the GOAT by NFL legend Tom Brady.

As LeBron was presumably heading into Fanatics Fest, he was met with a few New York City hecklers.

“You’ll never be (Michael) Jordan or Kobe (Bryant),” a heckler was heard saying.

EXCLUSIVE: #LeBronJames had to deal with some salty fans outside a New York City event Saturday night … with angry pedestrians hurling insults at the basketball legend. pic.twitter.com/hrDLtaRYRq

— TMZ (@TMZ) June 22, 2025

This shows two sides of the coin. For one, it shows what athletes and celebrities have to deal with when going out in public. It also shows, in particular, the passion New Yorkers have for sports.

Ultimately, if you don’t play for a New York team, they are not going to shower you in love. Overall, most fans, either in New York, or any other city, respect great players, no matter if they play for their city or not.

Just don’t be caught off guard when they boo you.

About the Author Published Jun 24, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1