Donald Trump has reignited his long-running feud with LeBron James by suggesting the NBA superstar may be racist.
The president made the remark during a White House press conference while weighing in on the long-running debate over whether LeBron or Michael Jordan is the NBA’s greatest player.
LeBron has yet to respond to Trump’s latest comments, but he has repeatedly criticized him over the years.
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During a recent White House press conference, Trump was asked who he considers the greatest basketball player of all time: LeBron James or Michael Jordan.
Rather than offering a simple answer, the president reflected on his friendship with Jordan before suggesting that LeBron might either be racist or simply dislike him.
“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said. He added, “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.”
LeBron Never Hid His Feelings About Trump
LeBron has repeatedly criticized Trump throughout the years, both on social media and in interviews.
“Hate has always existed in America. Yes, we know that, but Donald Trump just made it fashionable again! Statues has nothing to do with us now,” LeBron wrote in a 2017 post.
That same year, he called Trump a “bum” after the president rescinded the Golden State Warriors’ White House invitation.
The following year, LeBron told CNN that Trump was trying to use sports to divide Americans, while he believed sports had the power to unite people.
Trump later responded with one of his own trademark jabs. “LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made LeBron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike,” he wrote on X.
When asked in a later interview whether he regretted calling Trump a “bum,” LeBron made it clear he had no intention of taking back the remark.
The NBA superstar argued that Trump failed to understand the responsibility that comes with serving as president and said he was deeply troubled by his administration.
“He doesn’t understand the power that he has for being the leader of this beautiful country,” LeBron said. “He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement… The people run this country, not one individual, and damn sure not him.
LeBron Opposed Trump’s Travel Ban
3During Trump’s first term, LeBron also spoke out against the president’s executive order restricting entry into the U.S. from several predominantly Muslim countries.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the Lakers star argued that diversity is one of America’s greatest strengths and urged people to reject policies that divide communities.
“Diversity is what makes this country so great,” LeBron said. “We should all continue to speak up and fight for ideas that bring people together regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs or any other differences.”
He also said, “I am not in favor of this policy or any policy that divides and excludes people. I stand with the many, many Americans who believe this does not represent what the United States is all about. And we should continue to speak out about it.”
LeBron James Remains Active Despite Trump Silence
3Unlike during Trump’s first term, LeBron has recently been less critical of the president for reasons he has yet to disclose.
However, he did not support Trump’s bid for a second term, endorsing Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. He had also backed Trump’s opponents in previous election cycles.
Despite being less critical of Trump and his administration in recent years, LeBron has remained a vocal advocate for social causes, including speaking out about police violence, education reform, and the importance of voting.
He has also remained committed to philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to various causes over the years.
