Major Controversies Surrounding LeBron James: A Detailed Timeline

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. He holds the title of the NBA's all-time leading scorer and boasts an impressive record of four NBA championships from 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive appearances from 2011-2018. James also secured the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers and has won three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team. Widely regarded as one of basketball's all-time greats, his accomplishments solidify his place among the sport's elite.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2006: FIBA World Championship

At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, James took on a greater role for Team USA, averaging 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game as co-captain. The team finished the tournament with an 8–1 record, winning another bronze medal. James' behavior was questioned by teammate Bruce Bowen regarding his treatment of staff members.

March 2008: Vogue Cover Appearance with Gisele Bündchen

In March 2008, James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with Gisele Bündchen. The cover sparked controversy.

2010: Listed as One of the Most Disliked Athletes

Following his actions during the 2010 free agency period and The Decision, James was listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States.

2010: Second NBA MVP Award and Move to Miami Heat

In 2010, LeBron James won his second consecutive NBA MVP award and then controversially joined the Miami Heat as a free agent, a move announced in "The Decision" television special.

2014: Donald Sterling's Racist Comments

In 2014, LeBron James took a public stance on Donald Sterling's racist comments.

2017: Racist Incident and "Make America Great Again" Slogan

In 2017, following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home and in the aftermath of the Unite the Right rally, LeBron James commented on the challenges of being black in America and questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan.

February 2018: Production of House Party Film and "Shut Up and Dribble" Controversy

In February 2018, LeBron James' production company announced it would produce a new film in the House Party series. Later that month, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" leading to the creation of his Showtime documentary film series, Shut Up and Dribble.

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2018: Comments on Donald Trump and Sports

During a 2018 interview with CNN, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of dividing the country with sports and stated he would never sit across from him. Trump responded with a tweet criticizing James and the interviewer, Don Lemon.

2019: Controversy over Daryl Morey's Tweet

During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, a statement LeBron James made about a tweet by Daryl Morey, expressing support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, became the subject of controversy.

2019: Trademark application for "Taco Tuesday" denied

In 2019, LeBron James applied for a trademark on "Taco Tuesday" through a shell company for use in various media formats, related to his family's taco dinners posted on Instagram. The United States Patent and Trademark Office rejected the request, citing that "Taco Tuesday" is a common term.

August 27, 2020: Boycott of the 2020 NBA Playoffs

On August 27, 2020, LeBron James and his Lakers teammates, along with the Bucks, began boycotting the 2020 NBA playoffs to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake.

2020: Controversy over Daryl Morey's Tweet

In 2020, during the Hong Kong protests, LeBron James's statement regarding Daryl Morey's tweet supporting the pro-democracy movement was met with controversy and backlash.

February 2022: Bill Maher calls James hypocritical

In February 2022, political commentator Bill Maher criticized LeBron James for not being critical of the Chinese government's human rights abuses.

2022: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization

In 2022, LeBron James took a public stance on the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade.

September 2023: Release of Mims' and Alexander's Names in Biogenesis Scandal

In September 2023, new client names from the Biogenesis scandal were released, including Ernest "Randy" Mims and David Alexander. The DEA determined that there "was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."

October 2023: Support for Israel on Instagram

In October 2023, following the October 7th attacks, LeBron James voiced his support for Israel on Instagram, which drew backlash for its lack of mention of Palestinians affected by the crisis.