Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has apologized for his recent criticism of LeBron James, who Abdul-Jabbar said should be “embarrassed” by some of his comments about the COVID-19 pandemic.
“All I have to say is this: I was there to present the NBA Social Justice Champion Award to Carmelo Anthony. I’ve spoken to the press since high school, that’s 60 years of making statements. And I didn’t always get it right. And Sunday was one of those nights,” Abdul-Jabbar said Monday on SiriusXM NBA Radio via ESPN.
“It was not my intention to criticize LeBron in any way. He’s done so much for the black community and for the game of basketball. We may not always agree, but I want to offer a heartfelt apology to LeBron and make it clear that I have a lot of respect for LeBron. And if he can accept that, I’ll be very happy.”
Abdul-Jabbar made an exception when James endorsed Andrew Wiggins earlier in the season after the Golden State Warriors forward was previously resistant to the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as when James shared a meme on Instagram related to the COVID-19 Flu compared or a cold. While Abdul-Jabbar disagrees with how LeBron has handled this situation, he would welcome the opportunity to sit down and talk to him about her activism.
Please check the opt-in box to confirm that you wish to subscribe.
Thanks for registering!
Keep an eye on your inbox.
We’re sorry!
There was an error processing your subscription.
“I wouldn’t mind doing it if he took the time. I definitely have the time,” said Abdul-Jabbar. “I admire the things he did that got our full attention. Sending an entire school to college? Wow. That’s amazing I don’t throw stones. I just wish he wouldn’t – you know, some of the things he did should embarrass him. That’s exactly where I come from.”
Another issue Abdul-Jabbar faced was when LeBron was fined $15,000 by the league for a celebration deemed obscene by the NBA in November.
“I think he has so much to offer in terms of respect and performance and he shouldn’t stoop to those moments,” Abdul-Jabbar said.
The all-time leading scorer in NBA history said the reason he’s so critical of LeBron is because he has high expectations of him. He has seen how effectively he spoke about social justice issues and said he spoke “eloquently” about it.
When Abdul-Jabbar initially criticized LeBron for his stance on the pandemic earlier in the season, James chose not to engage in a verbal sparring game with him.
“No, I don’t have an answer for Kareem at all,” James said in December. “And when you’ve seen the post and read the tag, literally and honestly ask, ‘Will you help me?’ Help me figure this all out somehow. We are all trying to figure out this pandemic.