The Milwaukee Bucks appeared to respond on April 7 to recent criticism from Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James regarding certain NBA cities. After the Bucks defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on Easter Sunday, the team’s social media account posted, “Won the matchup between everyone’s two favorite cities,” referencing both Milwaukee and Memphis.
James, who is currently leading the Lakers without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, has attracted attention for remarks made about his dislike for playing in some NBA cities. On a recent appearance on the “Bob Does Sports” show, James stated that at age 41 there are two cities he does not enjoy playing in: Milwaukee and Memphis. “Did they miss that one? They didn’t see that? I said Milwaukee as well,” James said. “I’m 41-years-old and there’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee and that’s Memphis. What is the problem?”
James also commented about his home state of Ohio, saying he does not enjoy returning to Cleveland despite being an Akron native and owning a house nearby. “I don’t like going home either. S—, and I’m from there,” James said, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. “People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son being on the team too. So what are we talking about? They need to put their energy to other things that are important.”
Regarding Memphis specifically, James clarified his criticism was related more to accommodations than people or fans in the city: “I’m not talking about this city, like the people in Memphis,” he said over the weekend. “I don’t like staying at the Hyatt. What’s wrong with that? What’s wrong with that? Nothing. What are we talking about? What are we talking about? People need to chill the hell out. Thank you.”
The exchange highlights how players’ personal preferences can become public topics within league circles and among fans when discussed by high-profile athletes such as James.
