“I Think LeBron Is Maybe a Racist” — Trump on NBA Superstar
US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after suggesting that NBA superstar LeBron James may be racist while weighing in on the long-running debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time.
Trump made the comment during a White House news conference after being asked about James’ decision to continue his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James, 41, announced on Friday, July 24, that he would join the 76ers on a two-year contract after deciding against retirement. He described the move as the “last decision” of his NBA career.
When asked whether James or Michael Jordan was the greatest player ever, Trump backed Jordan, pointing to their personal friendship.
“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said.
“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 been a vocal critic of Trump over the years and has endorsed Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in elections where they ran against him.
In 2017, James referred to Trump as “a bum” following a dispute over invitations to the White House for NBA championship-winning teams.
On the basketball court, James has won four NBA championships with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.
He has also been named the league’s Most Valuable Player four times and is the NBA’s all-time leader in points and games played.
Having now joined the Philadelphia 76ers, James will be looking to add a fifth championship to his remarkable career as he enters what could be the final chapter of his NBA journey.
