Sophia Michaels
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LeBron James, praised as one of the best NBA players ever, has built strong connections with many celebrities, yet some friendships have soured over time. A notable example is his friendship with rapper Drake, which started in 2009 at a mixtape party. Though they once spent considerable time together, including during Toronto’s Caribana festivities, signs of a rift emerged when Drake reportedly unfollowed LeBron on Instagram.
Speculation arose that their fallout was linked to Drake’s feud with Kendrick Lamar. LeBron attended a concert by Lamar around the same time the latter warned him and Steph Curry to keep their kids away from Drake. The news of Drake unfollowing him led fans to believe their friendship was in jeopardy, prompting many to comment on social media regarding LeBron’s loyalty.
Prior to the Instagram incident, there were hints of tension between them, which Joe Budden discussed in August, noting the “passive-aggressive” nature of their relationship. Beyond Drake, LeBron’s relationships with various celebrities, including other rappers and NBA stars, have also faced challenges.
Is Kevin Durant a frenemy?
LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been regarded as two of the top players in the NBA, yet they share an on-court rivalry that reflects their competitive spirits. Durant’s Golden State Warriors defeated LeBron’s Cavaliers in consecutive NBA Finals in 2017 and 2018, adding fuel to their rivalry. Many still regarded LeBron as the top player, a notion that reportedly frustrated Durant.
In December 2018, Durant expressed his thoughts on playing with LeBron to Bleacher Report, suggesting that the attention surrounding LeBron could be overwhelming and even “toxic.” He indicated that the challenges for other stars playing alongside him often required altering their style of play.
Jalen Rose, a former player turned analyst, interpreted Durant’s words as jealousy, while analyst Skip Bayless commented that Durant has a complicated affection for LeBron, rather like love-hate. Another celebrity, a rapper often connected with Bayless, has also publicly criticized LeBron.
Lil Wayne felt disrespected
LeBron James faced backlash during his controversial “The Decision,” when he announced he would join the Miami Heat. During this time, Lil Wayne, who lived in Miami and frequently attended games, expressed his frustration with James and teammate Dwyane Wade in a 2011 Rolling Stone interview. He felt neglected despite being a high-profile fan, claiming they didn’t acknowledge him at games.
Wayne’s comments suggested a feeling of disrespect from the Heat stars, as he referred to spending significant amounts on tickets without receiving recognition or interaction from the players. This incident served as a reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity friendships and loyalties, particularly in the high-stakes world of sports.
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Wayne’s Take on LeBron and D-Wade
Rapper Wayne voiced frustration about his treatment by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade after cheering against them during a game. He felt that they ignored him despite being in close proximity. Wayne mentioned in an interview that his girlfriend believed they snubbed him for his open disapproval of their performance.
Even years later, Wayne expressed lingering resentment towards LeBron. In a discussion about who qualifies as the greatest NBA player, he emphasized that the real debate is between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, not LeBron. This preference reveals Wayne’s lasting allegiance to Kobe over LeBron, dating back to December 2018.
Additionally, Wayne maintains a friendship with Skip Bayless, a prominent critic of LeBron’s on and off the court.
Skip Bayless: A Notorious Critic of LeBron James
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While various celebrities have subtly criticized LeBron, Skip Bayless has been openly antagonistic for years. NBA player Draymond Green pointed out Bayless’s relentless criticisms, describing him as a “hater.” Bayless’s negative remarks about LeBron have often been noted for their exaggerated nature, such as predicting Johnny Manziel would become more popular than LeBron in Cleveland.
Bayless frequently asserts that LeBron fails to deliver in clutch moments. He’s tweeted claims doubting LeBron’s capability during crucial plays and often critiques his shot selection. Despite this ongoing rivalry, Bayless shared an anecdote about a direct message from LeBron seeking to mend ties, which mysteriously disappeared.
The Tension Between LeBron James and Paul Pierce
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A memorable incident in 2003 showcased the rivalry between LeBron and Paul Pierce, where Pierce’s heated trash-talking resulted in him disrespectfully spitting towards LeBron’s bench. This provoked a near altercation and instigated a long-standing animosity between the two players. Later, Pierce confirmed the story, admitting his actions.
Years later, the rivalry remained robust, evident from the fact that Pierce excluded LeBron from his personal list of top players in history while on air, signaling that their differences were unresolved.
Skilla Baby’s Viral Rant Against LeBron
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Detroit rapper Skilla Baby gained attention for his outspoken remarks against LeBron James, aligning himself with Kobe Bryant in their rivalry. During a podcast, he clearly expressed his dislike for LeBron, stating he didn’t respect how LeBron played alongside other star players.
After the interview caught traction, LeBron humorously reacted to Skilla’s comments on social media. In response, Skilla attempted to downplay his words, expressing surprise that LeBron had heard his remarks, indicating he may not have expected such a reaction from the star.
