LeBron James Sideswipes ESPN Reporter Over Previous Remarks: 'It's Weird'
Sarah Johnson
March 27, 2025
Brief
LeBron James openly criticized ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and NBA reporter Brian Windhorst in a candid Pat McAfee interview, questioning NBA media coverage and clarifying his Nike signing motivations.
LeBron James didn’t hold back during his interview with Pat McAfee on Wednesday, offering sharp words for ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and, surprisingly, NBA reporter Brian Windhorst. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar seemed to find Windhorst’s commentary particularly irksome.
"I see a lot of s--- too. I see Brian Windhorst on one of these shows not too long ago. The guy who says he’s like my f---ing best friend," James said. "These guys … it’s weird."
James wasn’t just venting; he went on to call out specific comments made by Windhorst. "He went on his show and said, you know, like, ‘Don’t let LeBron fool you, like, he wears No. 23 because of Michael Jordan.’ OK, that’s a fact," James admitted before flipping the narrative. "’He signed with Nike because of Michael Jordan.’ It’s like, no the f--- I didn’t. I signed with Nike because I got a helluva signing bonus, and they gave me a seven-year, $90 million contract, and I moved my mom out of the hood the next day I signed that contract."
Windhorst has been closely covering James since his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004, transitioning from local outlets like the Akron Beacon Journal to ESPN in 2010 when James took his talents to South Beach. While they share a connection to St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School, they attended at different times. Windhorst has yet to respond publicly to James’ comments.
The broader conversation between James and McAfee highlighted James’ critique of how the NBA is covered by the media. "It had gotten away from the essence of the game of basketball, of why I fell in love with the game," James reflected. He even started a podcast with J.J. Redick to address what he sees as a shift in how basketball is portrayed.
It’s no secret that James has a complicated relationship with the media, but his unfiltered remarks add a layer of intrigue to an already vibrant dialogue surrounding NBA coverage. Love him or hate him, LeBron James never shies away from speaking his truth.
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Editor's Comments
LeBron’s candor is refreshing, especially in an era when athletes often stick to bland soundbites. However, his comments about Windhorst make you wonder—what’s the real story behind their dynamic? Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate the absolute power move of signing a $90 million contract and moving his mom out of the hood the next day? That’s legendary.
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