LeBron James on Saturday stood by his recent criticism of playing in Memphis, adding Milwaukee to his list of least-favorite NBA road cities and brushing off the backlash as overblown.
The 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar first drew attention earlier this week during an appearance on the “Bob Does Sports” YouTube show. While discussing the rigors of NBA travel, James complained about staying in Memphis hotels and suggested the Memphis Grizzlies would be better off relocating roughly 200 miles east to Nashville.
In the clip, James referenced the 2003 NBA Draft lottery and joked he might have pulled an “Eli Manning” — a nod to the former NFL quarterback who refused to play for the team that drafted him — had the Grizzlies landed the top pick.
“We all like, ‘You guys have to move,'” James said in the video, citing Nashville’s Vanderbilt University, NASCAR and existing hockey team as draws. “Memphis on a f—ing random ass Thursday.”
The comments sparked widespread backlash from Grizzlies fans, local leaders and some NBA voices, with critics accusing James of disrespecting the city and its predominantly Black population. Stephen A. Smith, among others, called out the setting of the remarks — a golf course with friends — as tone-deaf.
Facing reporters before the Lakers’ game in Dallas on Saturday, James doubled down without apology.
“I’m 41 years old,” James said. “There’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee, and that’s Memphis. What is the problem with that? I don’t like going home either. S—, and I’m from there. People are ridiculous.”
He clarified that his frustration centered on logistics, not the people or the city itself.
“Like, seriously. I’m not talking about the city, the people in Memphis,” James said. “I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric.”
He also reiterated complaints about limited player amenities, such as saunas or hot tubs, echoing similar gripes from other NBA players including Anthony Edwards and Draymond Green this season.
At one point, James pushed back against interpretations of his words, asking rhetorically, “Did I say I don’t like Black people?” before stressing his point about travel weariness at his age.
LeBron James on his recent comments about Memphis:
"I'm 41 years old. There's two cities I do not like playing in right now. That's Milwaukee, and that's Memphis. What is the problem with that? I don't like going home either — shit, and I'm from there." pic.twitter.com/PK1J7MbFP6
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 4, 2026
The remarks come as James, in his 23rd NBA season, continues to prioritize rest and recovery while averaging strong numbers for the Lakers. Memphis, currently in the Western Conference playoff picture, has long been viewed by some players as a challenging road trip due to its smaller-market feel and hotel options compared to larger cities.
Some NBA coaches pushed back Friday against James’ broader implication that the league would benefit from a Grizzlies move, defending Memphis’ basketball culture and fan support.
James’ latest comments quickly spread on social media, with reactions ranging from amusement at his unfiltered style to criticism that a player of his stature should show more regard for smaller markets.
The Lakers were set to face the Mavericks later Saturday. James has not commented further on potential relocation talks, which remain speculative as the NBA has shown no public interest in shifting the Grizzlies from Memphis.
This isn’t the first time James has voiced candid opinions on the league’s schedule and travel demands. As he nears the end of a historic career, the four-time NBA champion appears less inclined to filter his thoughts on the less glamorous aspects of life on the road.
