Whether it is far-right violence, Donald Trump's inane policies, or Black Lives Matter, LeBron James has rightly prided himself on his commitment to activism and standing up for what is right in the world. The NBA legend is the all-time great for so many people, with his extraordinary talent and longevity coupled with supposedly sound morals that make him a hero for millions of young people the world over, with even more parents happy to see their children idolise the basketball star.
"I will never shut up about things that are wrong. I preach about my people and I preach about equality, social justice, racism, voter suppression – things that go on in our community," James said in 2021.
"I'll use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that's going on around this cou ntry and around the world. There's no way I would ever just stick to sports, because I understand how powerful this platform and my voice is."
So why is the Israeli genocide of innocent Palestinians any different?
"Hopefully I can make it over there. I've heard nothing but great things"In a recent media appearance, LeBron James was asked about Deni Avdija; an Israeli player who has been included in the 2026 NBA All-Star roster: "I've been quoted on Deni already and asked what I think about his season," he said. "I said I believe he's an All-Star. He plays exceptional basketball."
It was what came next, when asked for a message to his Israeli fans, is what has made the headlines:
"I've never been there," LeBron said, referring to the state of Israel, "but if I have fans over there, then I hope you've been following my career. I hope I inspire people over there to not only be great in sports but to be better in general, in life. Hopefully, someday I can make it over there. I've heard nothing but great things. I appreciate the question."
For LeBron to say he has "heard nothing but great things" about a state currently committing a genocide against an indigenous people is, in my opinion, as tone deaf as it is hypocritical. The player who himself says he stands on the side of right, who routinely makes his voice heard above all others when it comes to, in his words, "preach[ing] about equality, social justice" has decided to step past the thousands of lives lost in the campaign led by the government of the country about which he has "heard nothing but great things."
Related storiesPerhaps I'm being unfair. Perhaps LeBron didn't want to get involved. The Palestine debate can be tricky terrain to handle when you have the entire world waiting on your every word, and upsetting the wrong people can be tough to come back from. But who is he trying to please here? Fans he "hopes" exist? The only thing he's managed to do is fall off the pedestal millions of people had him on.
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