Donald Trump took a break from threatening the stability of the world with his delicate ego to use his small Twitter fingers to criticize LeBron James, the greatest active basketball player, 3-time NBA champion, AND philanthropist who opened a radical, resource-filled school in his hometown.
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
Since Trump’s tweet, many notable NBA stars have stepped up in strong support of LeBron James.
Of course, this isn’t the first chapter in the ongoing Bron/Trump feud. This started in September 22, 2017. Steph Curry said he would decline the traditional champions visit to the White House. Curry emphasized how the values in the White House fundamentally did not align with his. He said would ultimately decide as a team, but Curry, Kevin Durant, and Steve Kerr all indicated they would all emphatically vote “No” in the team vote.
A day later on September 23, 2017, Trump “withdrew” the invitation.
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
That same day, several hours later, LeBron James responded with the help side Twitter defense:
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
Late February 2017, the Warriors were in Washington DC to play the Washington Wizards. This would have been the perfect time to visit the White House. Instead, the Warriors spent the day with local children at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
For awhile, the Twitter spat went quiet.
On June 5th, 2018, before the 2017-2018 NBA Finals were even finished, both LeBron James and Steph Curry indicated regardless who won, the championship visit to the White House would be declined again. Trump must have been busy on the golf course that day because there appeared to be no response.
On July 30th, 2018 LeBron James had an interview with Don Lemon explaining why he called Trump a “bum”.
LeBron James had also just opened the I Promise School in Akron. It is a unique school that is a partnership between the LeBron James Family Foundation and the Akron public school system. Children will be supported in new ways, and even parents will be supported with GED classes and job placement support, recognizing that supporting at-risk children also means supporting the parents if they are at risk as well.
Several days later, on August 3rd 2018, Trump responded:
Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2018
The intelligence of Black folks is a racialized topic and here he insults the intelligence of two. He also tries to use Michael Jordan as a smokescreen saying Jordan is better to mask the racialized nature of his insults.
Since that tweet, the list of NBA notables coming out in support of LeBron James is growing seemingly every day. Including some surprising people in politics (scroll down. I can’t believe the last one either.). In no particular order:
- NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “Been in South Africa w/@NBA w/spotty internet. @realDonaldTrump has no understanding of community especially if he can’t acknowledge @KingJames generosity & true concern for his hometown. Awesome move #Lebron! #MelaniaTrump – you got it right.”
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- One of the brightest and most electrifying rookies in the NBA last year Donovan Mitchell: “A sign of an insecure human being is one who attacks others to make themselves feel better… im just sad that young kids have to see stupid tweets like these and grow up thinking it’s okay… forget everything else Donald your setting a bad example for kids😑 our future”
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- The Lakers issued a statement in support of their newly-acquired centerpiece
- 5-time All-Star John Wall referenced LeBron’s mentorship and commitment to doing good in a video.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a delightfully shady statement by commending James for his character and notably saying nothing about Trump.
- Future greatest NBA shooter of all time Steph Curry: “Keep doing you @KingJames! “
- The GOAT himself Michael Jordan, via spokesperson: “I support LJ. He’s doing an amazing job for his community.” Short and simple, but clearly aligning himself with James.
- Nick Young is technically an NBA player, but he also does this…
- Despite his jesterish persona, Nick Young saying LeBron is going to be President one day still makes this list.
BONUS:
Hillary Clinton via Twitter: @KingJames is a great family man, incredible ballplayer, gives back to his community, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He’s a world class athlete and a class act. We need more like him in this world.
Trump’s current wife Melania: “It looks like LeBron James is working to do good things on behalf of our next generation and just as she always has, the First Lady encourages everyone to have an open dialogue about issues facing children today,” a statement provided by her spokeswoman said. “As you know, Mrs. Trump has traveled the country and world talking to children about their well-being, healthy living, and the importance of responsible online behavior with her Be Best initiative. Her platform centers around visiting organizations, hospitals and schools, and she would be open to visiting the I Promise School in Akron.”
I mean his own wife is supporting the work LeBron is doing, not even bothering to mention ANY of the historical Twitter beef, or say anything positive at all about Trump. In fact, she’s all but inviting DRAMA by putting out there she would be willing to visit the I Promise School and what? Not bring Trump as a plus one?
Stay tuned for the next chapters of the Twitter beef between the world’s greatest active basketball player and America’s 45th best President.