Kwame Brown is back in the headlines, and once again, it’s for taking a shot at one of the game’s biggest names. On his recent livestream, the former No. 1 overall pick hinted that LeBron James might be using performance-enhancing drugs, echoing a long line of unproven allegations that have trailed the Lakers star throughout his career.
“I’m indifferent about LeBron James competing with the NBA,” Brown said while addressing rumors that James could play in another league someday.
“I think it’s hilarious, yes, yes, yes. Absolutely hilarious that the NBA created a monster. Because LeBron playing in any league, he’s gonna draw attention. Like it, love it, leave it, LeBron plays, people watch.”
“So if he goes to another league, then we’re all gonna watch. He might get 40, 30, and 30. Who knows? And you don’t know what the rules are in that league. If their rules are relaxed and they’re not, you’ve got to know what the rules are in that league. I’m not saying nothing.”
That final line, “I’m not saying nothing”, raised eyebrows. Brown then doubled down later with a more direct hint, suggesting LeBron takes injections.
For many fans, it was another chapter in what has become a recycled cycle: a player or personality throws out a PED accusation toward LeBron, it trends online, but no actual evidence ever surfaces.
Kwame Brown HINTS that Lebron is on Steroids 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/foCMpJY4PW
— TheTruth (@Thetruth8240) September 16, 2025
Kwame Brown isn’t the first to bring up this subject. Over the years, a mix of players, media figures, and even comedians have joked or speculated about James’ longevity being too good to be true.
Shaquille O’Neal once teased, “You’re on that BronBron, ain’t you?” during a playful segment on The Pivot. Ric Bucher has hinted that some players and media insiders believe James has used PEDs.
Jaylen Brown and Kevin Garnett have both made offhand remarks about LeBron’s dominance at an advanced age, with Garnett controversially saying James was “on that BALCO” during a podcast appearance.
Former NBA guard Jeff Teague even claimed LeBron missed games due to steroids during his Heat years before immediately retracting it and admitting he was joking. Gilbert Arenas later called him out for “moonwalking” on the accusation.
Even UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, known for his trash talk, has accused James of using PEDs, saying they even shared the same dealer.
To date, none of these claims has been substantiated. LeBron has played 22 seasons, competed in four Olympics, and gone through the NBA’s regular anti-doping protocols without a single failed test or official hint of impropriety.
At 40 years old and entering his 23rd season, LeBron James’ longevity is remarkable. He’s still averaging over 25 points per game and logging heavy minutes against much younger opponents. For some critics, that level of sustained dominance is hard to process without questioning how it’s possible.
But the NBA’s testing system is clear. Players are subject to random testing throughout the year, and positive results are made public with mandatory suspensions. No player, not even someone of LeBron’s stature, could realistically evade detection for over two decades if they were consistently using banned substances.
Brown’s comments also fit into a pattern. Since retiring, the former Lakers draft pick has carved out a niche as a provocateur, often livestreaming rants from his car and calling out NBA stars past and present. Many see his PED insinuations as part of that same formula: stir controversy, get attention, and keep his name trending.
Calling LeBron a “monster” created by the NBA was meant as a double-edged statement, acknowledging James’ immense influence while also hinting at something darker. But as with past accusations, it’s more smoke than fire.
LeBron James has long been one of the most polarizing athletes in sports. His dominance, business empire, and cultural influence make him a target for both admiration and criticism. The steroid rumors are unlikely to fade, especially as he continues to defy age.
Yet unless hard evidence emerges, not offhand jokes or livestream rants, the allegations remain just that: noise. LeBron has been tested, cleared, and continues to build his legacy as arguably the greatest player of all time.
Kwame Brown may have gotten the headlines he wanted, but once again, the substance behind the claim is thin. At the end of the day, LeBron’s longevity is still best explained the old-fashioned way: relentless conditioning, cutting-edge recovery methods, and one of the most disciplined work ethics the NBA has ever seen.
