Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Criticizes LeBron James’ Past Behavior: ‘He Should Be Embarrassed’

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares his opinion about some of LeBron James‘ moves in the past: “He should be embarrassed.”

Over the weekend, legendary basketball player and columnist spoke on James’ actions this past Sunday during the unveiling of his social justice trophy. He said some of James’ actions “were beneath” James and said the baller should be “embarrassed” by some of his behavior.

“Some of the things he’s done and said are really beneath him, as far as I can see,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “Some of the great things that he’s done, he’s standing on both sides of the fence almost, you know? It makes it hard for me to accept that when he’s committed himself to a different take on everything. It’s hard to figure out where he’s standing. You’ve got to check him out every time.”

Abdul-Jabbar has taken a stance on James’ actions on several occasions. He’s spoken about James’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also criticized James did a celebratory dance during a game against the Indiana Pacers. 

“For me, winning is enough. Why do you need to do a stupid, childish dance and disrespect the other team on the court? It doesn’t make sense. GOATs don’t dance,” said Abdul-Jabbar. 

After his words, Abdul-Jabbar wrote a follow-up statement, Hypebeast reports.

“Over the years, I’ve been asked to comment on and write about LeBron James,” Abdul-Jabbar started. “A couple years ago, I wrote an article for Sports Illustrated about LeBron as a Sportsperson of the Year in which I said: ‘[T]his generation couldn’t do any better in the hero department than LeBron James. Part of being a hero is to have both the modesty to feel unworthy of such a heavy word and the strength to accept the responsibility that comes with others looking to you to be that hero. What is a hero but someone who stands up for those who can’t? Who embodies our cherished ideals of sportsmanship: fair play, hard work and compassion? That pretty much describes the LeBron James I’ve watched and come to know since he was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft and was named Rookie of the Year.'”

He continued: “In the two years since I wrote that, my respect and admiration has only grown for LeBron as I watched him champion worthwhile causes while maintaining his status as an elite athlete. As he closes is on my all-time scoring record, I have been a cheerleader urging him on, happy to pass the mantle to someone so worthy as an athlete and a person.”. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with a follow-up statement on his LeBron James criticisms pic.twitter.com/lO34a2rkWL

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) April 4, 2022