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 a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest of all time. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships across 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive from 2011 to 2018. James also won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers and has won three Olympic gold medals playing for the United States.

Sections (6)

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

March 2008: Appeared on Vogue Cover

In March 2008, LeBron James became the first black man to appear on the cover of Vogue, posing with Gisele Bündchen, which drew controversy and was considered offensive by some.

2010: Listed as one of the most disliked athletes

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.

2010: Criticism After Leaving Cavaliers

In 2010, LeBron James faced intense criticism from various sources after leaving the Cavaliers, including scrutiny over "The Decision" and backlash from fans and former players.

2010: Joins the Miami Heat

In 2010, LeBron James joined the Miami Heat as a free agent, a move announced in the nationally televised special "The Decision".

2010: Villain in Miami

Throughout the 2010-11 season, LeBron James and the Heat were treated as villains by the media and opposing fans.

2014: Public stance on Donald Sterling's racist comments

In 2014, LeBron James took a public stance on Donald Sterling's racist comments, feeling an obligation to effect change using his status.

2015: Off-Court Controversies

During the 2015-16 season, LeBron James faced criticism for his role in several off-court controversies, including the firing of the Cavaliers' coach David Blatt.

2017: Response to Charlottesville Rally and Trump's Slogan

In 2017, following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home and the Unite the Right rally, LeBron James questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan and criticized President Donald Trump.

February 2018: Producing a new House Party film and Ingraham's response

In February 2018, LeBron James' production company announced it would produce a new film in the House Party series, with James expected to make a cameo. Also in February 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" in response to his political views, leading to the creation of the documentary series Shut Up and Dribble.

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2018: Criticism of President Trump

During a 2018 interview with CNN journalist Don Lemon, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of attempting to divide the country with sports.

2019: Controversy Over Daryl Morey Tweet

During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, LeBron James made a statement about Daryl Morey's tweet expressing support for the pro-democracy movement, leading to controversy and backlash.

August 27, 2020: Boycott of NBA Playoffs

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

2020: Controversy Over Daryl Morey Tweet

During the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests, LeBron James made a statement about Daryl Morey's tweet expressing support for the pro-democracy movement, leading to controversy and backlash.

February 2022: Bill Maher Criticism

In February 2022, political commentator Bill Maher called LeBron James hypocritical for not taking a critical stance towards the Chinese government's human rights abuses.

2022: Public stance on 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: Biogenesis Scandal Release

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 James, as well as David Alexander, a trainer of prominent athletes and co-owner of a juice business with Savannah James. The DEA found no indication of wrongdoing by LeBron James.

October 2023: Support for Israel on Instagram

In October 2023, LeBron James voiced his support for Israel on Instagram in response to the October 7th attacks, drawing backlash for omitting the Palestinians affected by the crisis.