LOS ANGELES – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar publicly criticized LeBron James again on Sunday, with Los Angeles Lakers the legend says he believes the current Lakers star has a greater responsibility in how he conducts himself with his elevated background.
“Some of the things he’s done and said are really underneath him, as far as I can see,” Abdul-Jabbar told the Lakers’ 129-118 lose arrive Denver Nuggets. “Some of the amazing things he’s accomplished, he’s almost standing on both sides of the fence, you know? That makes it hard for me to accept that when he’s venturing into a different direction taking on everything. stuff. It’s hard to know where he is standing. You have to check on him all the time.”
Abdul-Jabbar, present to introduce James’ comrades, Carmelo Anthonywith the new Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy, designed to honor Anthony as the NBA’s Social Justice Champion for the 2020-21 season, has voiced his frustrations with James several times this season.
After James celebrated at the end of game 3 in a pre-overtime victory Indiana Pacers By imitating the dance that former NBA All-Star Sam Cassell popularized, highlighting his neighborhoods, Abdul-Jabbar was criticized by his opposition.
“For me, winning is enough,” Abdul-Jabbar said in a video posted on Substack, a subscription commentary website, in early December. “Why do you need to do a stupid dance, childish and disrespectful to the other team on the field? It doesn’t make sense. GOATs don’t dance.”
Later that month, Abdul-Jabbar took aim at James again after the four-time MVP shared a Spider-Man meme to his Instagram account showing three identical Spider-Man figures pointing at each other, labeled “COVID”. colds and flu.”
Abdul-Jabbar wrote on Substack that the social media post was a “severe blow to his well-deserved legacy” because it “implies that LeBron doesn’t understand the difference between these three illnesses, even after all.” information published in the press.
Abdul-Jabbar referenced both of his earlier critiques Sunday when explaining his stance on the 19-year veteran.
“Sure, [I have] expectations are higher for him because he understands the issues and speaks to them quite forcefully and eloquently,” said Abdul-Jabbar. I think he has a lot going for him in terms of respect and achievement and he shouldn’t bow to those moments. “
James dismissed Abdul-Jabbar’s criticisms at the time.
“I had no reaction to Kareem at all,” James said. “And if you see the post and you read the tag, you’re literally asking, ‘Help me?’ Help me figure it all out. We’re all trying to figure this pandemic out.”
Anthony, asked if he would facilitate a meeting for the two to discuss their differences, said that although he’s not sure what the issue is, he would encourage sitting down.
“In our community, we need tough conversations, we need those uncomfortable conversations,” says Anthony. “So if Kareem wants to sit down and talk, if Bron wants to sit down and talk, I think that’s a must-have conversation. I don’t think we need Kareem to lash out at Bron, and you haven’t seen Bron yet. say anything about Kareem. …I think it will be a powerful conversation.”
Abdul-Jabbar said his face-to-face interactions with James were short-lived, but he would also welcome a further connection.
“If he works hard, I’m sure there’s time,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “I admire the things he’s done that have captured all of our attention. Sending a whole school to college? Wow. That’s amazing. Attentiveness and willingness to back it up with a wallet his, you have to give him credit for that. So I don’t throw stones. I just wish he wouldn’t – you know, some of the things he did, he should feel bad. tiger. That’s just where I come from.”
Regardless, Abdul-Jabbar welcomes James’ pursuit of his NBA scoring record, a record he held for nearly 38 years after he eclipsed total points earlier in his career. by Wilt Chamberlain.
“I’m everything because he does it,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “There’s no envy there. … It’s just – with the issues I’m talking about, the things that really affect the Black community, he should be careful. That’s all I’m in love with. bridge.”
Abdul-Jabbar then tweeted on Sunday night “I’m sorry that my overblown answer was over-hyped. Over the years, I’ve expressed deep admiration and respect for LeBron as a community leader.” and athletes. That hasn’t changed and never will.”
