NBA legend LeBron James is not new to expressing his opinions and his political stance. Throughout the years, he has expressed support towards Democrat candidates and has shown sour opinion toward Republican and now president-elect Donald Trump. With this in mind, entrepreneur and podcast host Patrick Bet-David called out James, as well as Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, for their “disrespect” towards NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
In an episode of his PBD Podcast, Bet-David called out to NBA commissioner Adam Silver for holding his silence on the issue of NBA personalities mixing politics with sports. In particular, PDB was referring to the recent statement of San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich against Donald Trump in a post-game press conference.
You want me to hear this b******t? Get the f*** out, no we’re not watching this,” Bet-David said. “Adam Silver, it’s on you. I put it on you, I put it on you for walking on eggshells around guys like LeBron, walking on eggshells around guys like Steve Kerr. They don’t respect you, Adam Silver. They don’t look at you as a commissioner—they look at you as a lawyer who got lucky.
He added: “And David Stern was not just a lawyer, he was not just a commissioner, but he was a leader you are not a leader, Adam. You’re a nice guy who’s afraid to put his foot down and fix this.”
LeBron James and His History of Open Expression Against Trump
LeBron James has not been shy about expressing his political opinions, particularly with how he is against Donald Trump. In 2016, James went public and officially endorsed the then Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton lost to Donald Trump, though winning against the latter via popular vote.
LeBron was initially civil following the loss, but things took a sour turn when the Golden State Warriors, in particular, star player Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr, declined the White House invitation after winning the NBA championship that year. It was customary back then for the team who won the NBA championship to be invited to an audience at the White House.
Trump eventually rescinded the invitation, citing Curry’s hesitation.
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
As a response, LeBron called Trump on X a “bum,” even saying: “Going to [the] White House was a great honor until you showed up!”
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
Curry acknowledged James’ statement on social media, appreciating his support and calling his words “bold” and “courageous.”
LeBron James also made his political stance clear for the recent 2024 elections and publicly endorsed Democrat candidate Kamala Harris.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
