Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has criticized LeBron James at the inaugural presentation of his eponymous trophy, saying the Lakers star “should be ashamed” of some of his statements. Abdul-Jabbar apologized for this criticism a few hours later.
Abdul-Jabbar was asked at a press conference about his criticism of James a few months ago and explained that his criticism stemmed from his high expectations of James and his activism. “I would love to do that if he takes the time. I certainly have the time,” Abdul-Jabbar replied when asked if he would sit down with James to discuss activism together.
“I admire the things he has done. Sending a whole school to university? Wow, that’s great,” said the 74-year-old: “His consideration and willingness to take care of things with his money must be respected.” Abdul-Jabbar spoke at the presentation of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy, which is to be presented annually to an NBA Social Justice Champion from now on. Before the Lakers game he presented the trophy to Carmelo Anthony for his service in the 2020/21 season.
“I don’t throw stones,” Abdul-Jabbar clarified his criticism of James, but added: “But he should be ashamed of some things he’s done. That’s just my point of view.” The former Bucks and Lakers star had previously criticized James for, among other things, supporting Andrew Wiggins in his hesitation about the corona vaccines and posting a meme that compared the corona virus to an ordinary flu.
“He should be careful about the issues I’ve raised when it comes to things that affect black people a lot. That’s all I want,” Abdul-Jabbar summarized.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explains criticism of LeBron James
A few hours after his statements before the Lakers game, the Los Angeles Times the content of an e-mail that Abdul-Jabbar wrote to the newspaper. In it, the six-time MVP quoted, among other things, one of his articles for Sports Illustrated, in which he described LeBron as a hero of his generation. “In the two years since I’ve written this, my respect for James has only grown,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote in his email.
“LeBron continues to be the formidable hero, he continues to be a huge factor in improving the lives of Black people,” he said. “On occasion I have rebuked LeBron when I felt he was making a mistake in helping society. However, I have always done so in the spirit of a loving older brother who offers advice, welcome or not.”
James needs 1,325 points to overtake Abdul-Jabbar as the most-scoring player in NBA history, which he most likely will if he plays another season. “I’m all for him making it. There’s no envy there,” said Abdul-Jabbar.
“If I think he’s straying from the path on which he won the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award for his role as a social activist, I will say so. I’m a journalist, that’s just what I do,” added Abdul-Jabbar and concluded his email: “But I believe that LeBron is strong and gracious enough to understand that I only have love for him from my heart.”
