Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James faced harsh criticism from former MS NOW host Mehdi Hasan on Sunday following the NBA All-Star Game. The controversy began during a press conference at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, where James was asked for a message to his fans in Israel. He was also asked for his thoughts on Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Deni Avdija, the only active Israeli player in the league.
"I’ve been quoted on Deni already and what I thought about his season and I believe he’s an All-Star," James said. He went on to address the fans, stating that while he has never visited Israel, he hoped his career served as an inspiration to people there. "If I have fans over there, then I hope you’ve been following my career, I hope I inspire people over there to not only want to be great at sports but be better in general in life," James added.
Mehdi Hasan, known for his hardline and often controversial stance against Israel, took to social media to blast the basketball icon. "What a disgrace LeBron is," Hasan wrote on X, though he did not immediately elaborate on his specific grievance. The post quickly garnered attention, as Hasan has previously faced backlash for his commentary following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas.
James maintained a respectful tone during the exchange, expressing a desire to eventually visit the country. "So, hopefully, someday I could make it over there. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I heard great things," James told reporters. He concluded by thanking the journalist for the question before moving on to other basketball-related topics.
Deni Avdija made history this year as a first-time All-Star, joining a small group of Israeli players who have competed at the highest level of the NBA. Avdija played 15 total minutes during the revamped All-Star tournament format, though the World All-Stars ultimately lost both of their contests. Other notable Israeli players in league history include Omri Casspi, T.J. Leaf, and Gal Mekel.
The criticism from Hasan highlights the ongoing tension surrounding public figures and their comments on Middle Eastern affairs. While James focused on the "great things" he had heard about the region and his appreciation for his fans, critics like Hasan continue to push for more politically charged statements. For James, the 22nd All-Star appearance was another milestone in a legendary career that continues to draw global attention.