Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has seen just about everything possible during his NBA career and thus has a lot of opinions on things as it relates to basketball.
At 41 years old, James has been honest about his struggles to physically get ready for games during the 2025-26 season. James admitted that some days he wakes up with aches and pains that he didn’t have the night before during a game, something to be expected given how many miles he’s put on his body.
Despite all of that, he finds ways to get himself ready for games which is why people like Kevin Durant believe he could play another four or five years at least.
However, James has also been honest when asked about other teams and he had some strong opinions about playing the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, via Bob Does Sports.
LeBron James on playing the Grizzlies:
“I’m f***ing 41 years of age. You think I want to do sh** in Memphis on a random Thursday? I’m not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team… go over to Nashville already.”
(via @leaguealerts) pic.twitter.com/ZN5y5vRg2p
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 2, 2026
James would later clarify that his dislike for Memphis has nothing to do with the people there, via Law Murray of The Athletic:
I asked LeBron James about Memphis and if he wanted to clarify anything
"41 years old. Two cities I do not like playing in right now. That's Milwaukee and that's Memphis… I don't like going home either. Shit, and I'm from there" pic.twitter.com/EIMiDcj2Xo
— Law Murray 🪺 (@LawMurrayTheNU) April 4, 2026
As James said, several other players, including Durant, have noted that arriving in Memphis for a road game isn’t everyone’s favorite stop. Players have mentioned the hotel accommodations and city attractions as lacking, though they are often complimentary of the fans and the local food.
It seems harsh for James to suggest moving the Grizzlies elsewhere in Tennessee, but Nashville does seem to fit the vibe of a bigger market to house an NBA team. With the current talks of expansion happening, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear Nashville brought up as a potential market in the distant future.
Memphis fans likely won’t enjoy hearing someone like James bashing their city, but it sounds like it’s a common sentiment around the league. To make matters worse, the Grizzlies appear to be heading toward another rebuild which adds to the lack of enthusiasm from players and fans alike.
LeBron James’ role likely changing because of Luka Doncic’s injury
Luka Doncic’s impressive 2025-26 regular season has officially come to an end after he was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Doncic was an offensive tear before the injury, winning Western Conference Player of the Month for the month of March.
With Doncic set to miss the remainder of the regular season, James’ role could change again to stabilize the Lakers.
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