A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving LeBron James.
LeBron James, nicknamed "King James," is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers. Widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, he is frequently compared to Michael Jordan in debates about the sport's all-time best. James has won four NBA championships in 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive appearances between 2011 and 2018. He also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers, and has won three Olympic gold medals as a member of the U.S. national team, and the Olympics MVP in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
March 2008: Vogue Cover Appearance in March 2008
In March 2008, LeBron James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with Gisele Bündchen, sparking controversy.
Share
2010: Most Disliked Athlete After 2010 Free Agency
Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period and The Decision, LeBron James was listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States.
Share
2014: Donald Sterling's Racist Comments
In 2014, LeBron James publicly addressed the racist comments made by then-NBA owner Donald Sterling, showcasing his commitment to speaking out against injustice.
Share
2017: Racist Incident and Charlottesville Response
In 2017, following a racist incident at his home and the Unite the Right rally, LeBron James spoke out about the challenges of being black in America and questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan.
Share
February 2018: Laura Ingraham "Shut up and dribble" Comment
In February 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told LeBron James to "shut up and dribble" in response to his political views, inspiring James to create the documentary series "Shut Up and Dribble."
Share
2018: Feud with Donald Trump
In 2018, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of dividing the country with sports during an interview with CNN, leading to a Twitter response from Trump calling James unintelligent.
Share
2019: Daryl Morey Controversy
In 2019, LeBron James commented on Daryl Morey's tweet supporting Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, which became controversial. James stated Morey was "misinformed".
Share
August 27, 2020: Boycott of 2020 NBA Playoffs
On August 27, 2020, LeBron James and his Lakers teammates, along with the Bucks, boycotted the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, leading to discussions with Jared Kushner and advice from Barack Obama to continue playing.
Share
2020: Hong Kong Protests Controversy
During 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, LeBron James' statement about Daryl Morey's tweet supporting the pro-democracy movement caused controversy and backlash.
Share
February 2022: Bill Maher calls James hypocritical
In February 2022, Bill Maher criticized LeBron James for not taking a strong stance against China's human rights abuses, citing hypocrisy given James's other social stances.
Share
2022: Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling
In 2022, LeBron James spoke out against the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, demonstrating his stance on social and political issues.
Share
September 2023: Biogenesis Scandal Client Names Released in September 2023
In September 2023, ESPN reported that a new set of client names from the Biogenesis scandal had been released, including Ernest "Randy" Mims, a longtime friend and business manager of LeBron James, as well as David Alexander, a trainer of prominent athletes. The DEA determined that there "was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."
Share