Donald Trump dropped a bombshell, suggesting LeBron James might be “a racist” during a White House news conference.
This incendiary remark came just hours after James confirmed his move to the Philadelphia 76ers, continuing his career at 41 years old. Speculation about retirement loomed after he played his last game for the LA Lakers, capping off eight seasons with the team.
When asked to compare James and Michael Jordan, Trump, who has golfed with Jordan, stated, “Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. He’s a really good guy. I think LeBron is, maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
James has yet to respond to Trump’s comments.
The six-foot-nine-inch James stands as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He launched his career with Cleveland, clinching two championships with Miami before returning to the Cavaliers for a third title and securing a fourth with the Lakers.
His four championships and four MVP awards fall short of Jordan’s six titles and five MVP awards.
James publicly backed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, declaring on social media: “What are we even talking about here?? When I think about my kids and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me. VOTE KAMALA HARRIS!!!”
His post featured a video montage of racist remarks made by Trump and comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, concluding with the message: “Hate takes us back.”
In 2020, Trump mocked James after he campaigned for President Joe Biden. At a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump expressed sympathy for James, who had just won his fourth NBA Championship, citing plummeting Finals ratings.
Trump remarked, “I didn’t watch one shot. I get bored.” The crowd erupted in chants of “LeBron James sucks,” prompting Trump to respond: “What a crowd!”
Jordan faced backlash after fake social media posts suggested he endorsed Trump. His representatives firmly denied any endorsement in a statement: “There is absolutely no truth to the claim that Michael Jordan has made an endorsement in the presidential election.”
James has signed with the Sixers on a reported two-year deal worth around £6 million.
In a series of posts on his official X account, the four-time NBA champion reflected on his decision as he prepares for his 24th season: “I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really decide, but I was pretty sure I played my last game.”
He continued, “I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”
James expressed gratitude for recent weeks: “The last few weeks have really been special. I’ve never been able to have no clue what to do and take real time to just think. I’ve had an incredible few months with all the people I love trying to figure it all out.”
He concluded with determination: “This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energise a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
“Thank you LA. Miami, I’ll forever love and north-east Ohio will always (be) home!”
