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 is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA champion, having appeared in 10 NBA Finals, including eight consecutive from 2011-2018. He led the Lakers to win the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. A three-time Olympic gold medalist, James is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history.

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 sparked controversy.

2010: Listed as one of the most disliked athletes in the United States

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: Won Second MVP and Left Cleveland

In 2010, LeBron James won his second consecutive MVP award and subsequently left the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat as a free agent, a decision announced in the nationally televised special titled "The Decision".

2010: Intense Criticism of James

In 2010, upon leaving the Cavaliers, LeBron James faced intense criticism from analysts, executives, fans, and players due to 'The Decision' and his move to the Miami Heat.

2014: Public Stance on Donald Sterling's Racist Comments

In 2014, LeBron James took a public stance on now-former NBA owner Donald Sterling's racist comments.

2015: Criticism and Distractions for James

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

2017: Expressed thoughts on racism in America

Following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home in 2017, LeBron James expressed that "being black in America is tough" and questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan.

February 2018: House Party Film and Laura Ingraham Controversy

In February 2018, LeBron James' production company announced a new film in the House Party series. Also in February 2018, Fox News host Laura Ingraham told James to "shut up and dribble" in response to his political views, which led to the creation of his Shut Up and Dribble documentary series on Showtime.

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2018: Criticized Donald Trump

In 2018, during an interview with CNN, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of attempting to divide the country with sports.

2019: Hong Kong protests controversy

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

August 27, 2020: Boycott of 2020 NBA Playoffs to Protest Shooting of Jacob Blake

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 Statement on Daryl Morey's Tweet

During the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, a statement LeBron James made about a since-deleted tweet by Daryl Morey, in which Morey expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, became the subject of controversy.

February 2022: Bill Maher Criticizes James for Stance on China

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: Took public stances on the ruling of 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

In September 2023, ESPN reported that a new set of client names from the Biogenesis scandal had been released; included was Ernest "Randy" Mims, a longtime friend and business manager of James, as well as David Alexander, a well-known trainer of prominent athletes who co-owned a cold-pressed juice and smoothie business with Savannah and also served as her personal trainer. The DEA determined that there "was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."

October 2023: Support for Israel after October 7th attacks

In October 2023, in response to the October 7th attacks, LeBron James voiced his support for Israel on Instagram, which drew backlash for its omission of the Palestinians affected by the crisis.