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 distinction of being the NBA's all-time leading scorer. James has won four NBA championships across 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive appearances from 2011 to 2018. He secured the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023 with the Lakers. Furthermore, he has earned three Olympic gold medals as part of the U.S. national team, solidifying his status as one of the sport's most accomplished players.

Sections (6)

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

2006: FIBA World Championship

In 2006, LeBron James played in the FIBA World Championship in Japan, where Team USA won another bronze medal. His behavior was questioned by teammate Bruce Bowen.

2010: James 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: Joins Miami Heat

In 2010, LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers and joined the Miami Heat as a free agent. This decision was announced in a nationally televised special titled "The Decision".

2010: Drew intense criticism for leaving the Cavaliers

In 2010, after leaving the Cavaliers, LeBron James faced substantial criticism from sports analysts, executives, fans, and players, and the phrase "taking my talents to South Beach" became a punch line. There were accusations of forming a superteam with Bosh and Wade, and James later suggested race might have been a factor in the fallout.

2014: James speaks out against Donald Sterling's racist comments

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

2015: Criticized for off-court controversies

During the 2015-16 season, LeBron James faced criticism for his role in off-court controversies, including the midseason firing of Cavaliers' coach David Blatt. Despite this, Cleveland finished with the best record in the East.

2017: James comments on racist incident and "Make America Great Again" slogan

Following a racist incident at his Los Angeles home in 2017, LeBron James expressed that "being black in America is tough". Later that year, in the aftermath of the Unite the Right rally, James questioned the "Make America Great Again" slogan.

February 2018: House Party Film Production and Laura Ingraham Controversy

In February 2018, it was announced that James's production company would produce 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, leading to the creation of the documentary series "Shut Up and Dribble."

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2018: James criticizes Trump in CNN interview

During a 2018 interview with CNN journalist Don Lemon, LeBron James accused President Donald Trump of attempting to divide the country with sports, and declared that he would never sit across from him.

2019: James statement about Daryl Morey tweet sparks controversy

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.

August 27, 2020: James and Lakers boycott 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: James' statement on Morey tweet is controversial

In 2020, LeBron James' statement 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. James said Morey was "misinformed".

February 2022: James called hypocritical 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: James mentions feeling of obligation to effect change using his status

In 2022, LeBron James spoke out about the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade, as one of many instances where he has taken public stances on controversial issues, and has mentioned a feeling of obligation to effect change using his status.

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; included was Ernest "Randy" Mims, a longtime friend and business manager of LeBron James. The DEA determined that there "was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."

October 2023: James voices support for Israel

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