April 2, 2026, 2:37 p.m. CT
LeBron James is outwardly not a fan of Memphis.
The Lakers’ famous person appeared on the “Bob Does Sports” YouTube channel in a video posted on April 2. And he made his ideas on Memphis very clear.
After speaking concerning the grind of touring throughout an NBA season, James first talked about “random (expletive) Tuesday in Milwaukee staying at the (expletive) Hyatt” earlier than turning his consideration to Memphis.
“Memphis on a (expletive) random ass Thursday,” James mentioned. “I’m not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We all, like, ‘You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there, you got the (expletive) NASCAR, you got a stadium. Don’t they got a hockey team? Like, they’ve got everything.”
James was then requested if there was any likelihood he would ever play for the Grizzlies.
“Their only chance was in 2003 if they would’ve won the lottery to get me,” James mentioned. “And I might’ve pulled an Eli Manning and not shown up.”
James is referring to the 2004 NFL Draft, when Manning was drafted by the San Diego Chargers however was traded to the New York Giants after refusing the play for the Chargers.
The thought of the Grizzlies relocating to Nashville has been floated earlier than and is the supply of loads of discontent within the Bluff City.
In 2023, now-Lakers coach J.J. Redick apologized after former NBA participant Evan Turner instructed it on Redick’s podcast. Warriors ahead Draymond Green mentioned on his podcast in March that the Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville.
ESPN persona Stephen A. Smith has drawn the ire of Memphians for his feedback concerning the metropolis and just lately instructed that Nashville may get a group as a part of NBA growth.
That prompted Greater Memphis Chamber President and CEO Ted Townsend to tweet “F you” in a response.
Reach sports activities author Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
