LeBron James is known not only for his basketball prowess but for his off-the-court social contributions. We have often seen him speak out on hot-button topics in the United States.
Recently though, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar criticized LeBron James for some of his actions on social issues, claiming that “he should be embarrassed” about “some of the things he’s done”. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has notably criticized LeBron James in the past regarding a COVID-19 meme. Abdul-Jabbar’s words were relayed by Bill Oram of The Athletic.
“Some of the great things that he’s done, he’s standing on both sides of the fence almost,” Abdul-Jabbar told reporters on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. “It makes it hard for me to accept that when he’s committed himself to a different take on everything. It’s hard to figure out where he’s standing. You’ve got to check him out every time.”
Abdul-Jabbar spoke at the unveiling of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Champion Trophy, an award that was first given last year to Carmelo Anthony when he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
“I admire the things that he’s done that have gotten all our attention,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Sending a whole school to college? Wow. That’s amazing. His thoughtfulness and willingness to back it up with his wallet, you got to give him credit for that. So I’m not throwing stones. I just wish he wouldn’t — you know, some of the things he’s done, he should be embarrassed about. That’s just where I’m coming from.”
Abdul-Jabbar has typically criticized James on his personal Substack or via Twitter. He said he has not addressed his issues with James personally.
“I wouldn’t mind doing it if he would take the time,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “I definitely got the time.”
It remains to be seen if LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar end up sitting down and addressing Abdul-Jabbar’s concern. It would certainly be interesting to see how that conversation would go.
When it comes to basketball, the two are connected in a more positive way. LeBron James is currently chasing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, and it seems as though he’ll pass Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading regular-season scorer sooner rather than later. It will definitely be fantastic to see that happen, and LeBron James accomplishing that will certainly sway more people into believing that he is the GOAT of basketball.
