After Lakers star LeBron James made disparaging comments about Memphis on a YouTube show this week, he may have alienated a couple of other fan bases on Saturday, writes Law Murray of The Athletic. Given a chance to clarify his statements about the city and his feeling that the Grizzlies should move to Nashville, James pointed out to reporters that he criticized the Bucks‘ hometown as well.
“Milwaukee was, too. Did they miss that one, too? They didn’t see that?” James said. “Forty-one years old, it’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee, and that’s Memphis. What is the problem?”
James was reacting to a question about NBA travel, telling the host that “it just wears on you more” at his age. The Akron, Ohio, native also listed Cleveland as one of the cities he doesn’t enjoy visiting, which probably comes as a surprise to Cavaliers fans.
“I don’t like going home either … and I’m from there,” he said. “People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son (Bronny) being on the (Lakers), too. So what are we talking about? People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that’s important. Like seriously? I’m not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis. I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric. What’s wrong with that? Nothing! What are we talking about? … People need to chill the hell out.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- The Warriors are likely stuck in 10th place, but there’s optimism that the season can be saved with Stephen Curry expected to return Sunday after missing more than two months with a knee issue, per Noah Furtado of The San Francisco Chronicle (subscription required). “Now, Superman’s back,” Gary Payton II said, “so we’ll figure it out with that.” After being out of action since January 30, Curry is looking forward to teaming up with Kristaps Porzingis, who wasn’t acquired until the trade deadline in February. “I was telling him, I don’t know how people are going to guard our pick-and-roll,” Curry said. “Anytime you have talent like that and two guys that can demand attention, it’s always a good thing, to create good offense and help elevate whoever we’re out there with.”
- The Warriors say Quinten Post, who’s sidelined with soreness in his right foot, is making progress and will be reevaluated next week, relays Marc J. Spears of Andscape (Twitter link). Al Horford is also set for a reevaluation next week and seems to be getting close to returning before the regular season ends, adds Nick Friedell of The Athletic (Twitter link).
- Jordan Ott picked up his first technical foul as Suns head coach in Thursday’s loss at Charlotte, notes Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. His players weren’t sure if he might make it through all 82 games without one. “I’ve been waiting all season for him to get one,” Royce O’Neale said. “I think it was right timing. Moments like those help us get a boost of energy. Just shows that he got our back in every situation.”
It sounds like LeBron is preparing for his heel wrestling career.
or just joining Steph and GSW. That was enough of a heel turn for KD, it will be the same for Bron.
The Heat was his and it felt like joing LA could have been too.
Every single thing Lebron said really played into him going to the Warriors next year, likely at a big discount. San Francisco has been turned into a city almost exclusively for the mega-rich, which Lebron is. I bet he loves it there.
Spoken like a guy who lives in San Jose!!
Good luck with that Davey.
Lol “Mr J 0.0”
I really don’t understand how anyone takes anything he writes with any semblance of seriousness. You correctly point out that fact here.
I’ve never read anywhere in my entire life Anything that made less sense, was more disparaging towards others, had such ridiculous lack of simple basketball fundamentals, as our good friend, Mr. J 0.0 has contributed the last five or so years.
My goodness, I can only imagine the comments surrounding this Steph Curry rumor.., is he coming back? Is he not?
All time low above trying to get posters blocked or banned. Rage bait, get a reaction, get posters blocked or banned for said reaction. If that’s not troll behaviour, I don’t know what is.
The mute option is a beautiful thing. Haven’t read his interesting yet polarizing comments for a couple of months now and so hoopsrumors surfing has been peaceful instead of frustrating.
I mean what LBJ is saying is nothing but the truth, right?
I can’t see any problem with it, like at all!
Folks, should think about what bad choices in life lead them to live in Memphis and Milwaukee instead of criticising LBJ!
El Don…you are a rare breed indeed. Don’t fall off that high horse. Have you been to Noosa Australia? Shhhh
“El Don Always Wrong.”
The “King James” handle has gone to his head.
There’s nothing like throwing several million people under the bus like El Don always wrong has right here. I mean considering the broader metropolitan areas, the combined population is at least 3 million or so.. Nice job !!
I’m sure Memphis wishes they were Noosa. Memphis has of the highest murder rates and is steadily losing population. If they didn’t have those record labels…Who knows where they would be.
I’m sure El Don’s place of residence is much better. Not that anyone cares but, Sag Harbor few hours from NY is awesome.
Long Island/hamptons area.
Good holiday spot in that part of world.
Recommend it if you haven’t been. Take the credit card, or two.
Someone like Giannis would love raising a family in Sag Harbor. Oops, I’ve said too much. Lols.
Ooppss, wrong city with the record labels.
Hahaha holyyyy I think this is the first time I’ve seen you guys publish something remotely honest about LeDiddy.
“What’s wrong with that? Nothing! What are we talking about? … People need to chill the hell out.”
20+ years and the guy still has the interviewing skills of a prepubescent sixth grader.
I’m not sure why Steph Curry is eager to get some run with Kristaps Porziņģis?
The Warriors will not pay what another team will for Porziņģis. There’s a team who will overpay after watching his highlight reel.
Lots of Made threes, some blocked shots, saying the right things about his health, and of course how he’s feeling much better, etc..
I don’t think the Warriors would be wise to give big money to this guy like another team likely will.
It’s not like those places are destinations when people plan vacations.
There is simply NO reason for Steph Curry to come back today aside from perhaps getting some NBA high-level run so there isn’t such a big gap between January 30 and training camp next season.
Five games now could provide an element of real game action that even live 5 on 5 practice can’t replicate.
If Steph does come back the minute restriction should be set at 15 to 20 and the Warriors had better lose. That 11th pick is “golden” !!!
It’s pretty safe. The Clips are 3 games ahead with 5 games left. They have 2 games against tanking teams, the Dubs have 1. They play each other for the last game of the season. If the Clips go 2-2 and the Dubs 4-0, and then the Dubs take the last game, I think the tie-breaker goes about 3 levels deep and they switch seeds.
Although if they could actually pull that off, then I wouldn’t be surprised if they make it through the play-in and end up with the 15 pick.
Yes, they seem to be on track for that 10 seed. But as you say, winding up with that 11th pick is a different story if some of these guys get a little excited about a five point lead in the fourth quarter.
Like I mentioned earlier this week, at least Graymont had the sense to break a three late in one game to ensure a loss. Podski almost shot himself in the foot by making six or eight straight points.
People do need to chill the hell out.
He’s not wrong. I’ve been to all three. Memphis is ok to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. Milwaukee isn’t great for either and Cleveland just sucks.
Lebron lowering the odds on kalshi before he goes back to Cleveland on a minimum to finish it out properly. His fam and friends gonna get paid the max via insider trading so let’s not act like he’s taking a cut for the city.
The LeBron Saga will be interesting. The Warriors for less seams what will happen. I don’t see him back with the Lakers with Luka And Reaves.
LBJ has “FU” money but not “FU” able to accept the blowback from what I imagine was expected backlash. He really has a problem anticipating his to answer questions and the media tally had no desire to provide context like the question he was asked. He likely hates visiting cold winter cities like Cleveland and Milwaukee. He stated he hates going to that hotel in Memphis. It is what it is. never did he disparage the ppl or the city.