LeBron James has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following remarks he made about Israel prior to Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game in California.
The Los Angeles Lakers veteran sparked controversy when he praised Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija and expressed warm sentiments towards the Middle Eastern nation.
His comments drew swift condemnation from critics of Israel over the situation in Gaza.
The backlash intensified throughout Sunday evening, with prominent media figures and ordinary fans alike questioning the timing of the basketball legend’s statements amid a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
LeBron James praised Israel, as well as Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija
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During a press conference ahead of the 75th All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, James was questioned about Avdija and whether he had any message for supporters in Israel.
“I’ve been quoted on Deni already,” the 41-year-old responded.
“They asked me what I thought about the season. I said I believe he was an All-Star — and I mean, he was an All-Star. He’s playing exceptional basketball. So that’s that.”
The four-time NBA champion then addressed Israeli supporters directly, stating: “If I have fans over there, then I hope I inspire people over there not only to want to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life.
“Hopefully someday I can make it over there. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I’ve heard nothing but great things.”
What a disgrace LeBron is https://t.co/xLWJMg8gD1
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) February 15, 2026
The reaction on social media proved fierce and unforgiving.
Mehdi Hasan, the former MSNBC presenter known for his critical stance on Israeli policy, branded the basketball star “a disgrace” in a post on X.
Ordinary users were equally scathing. One wrote: “Dumbass could’ve just left it at praising Deni, but he said ‘I’ve heard great things’. 73K casualties in Gaza, what great things did you hear.”
Another declared the comments had “straight up ruined his legacy forever.”
According to Gaza Health Ministry figures accepted by Israel, at least 71,662 Palestinians have perished since October 2023.
A further critic observed that “the gap between how everyday people and people with money view Israel is really astronomical.”
Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija is set to make history at the NBA All-Star Game
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Some questioned whether athletes who once championed social causes had lost their moral compass, with one fan lamenting that “the BLM stuff in 2020 was just a publicity stunt.”
Avdija’s selection marked a historic moment for Israeli basketball, as the Portland Trail Blazers forward became the first player from his nation to appear in an All-Star Game.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per match.
James has not publicly addressed the criticism.