LeBron James was heckled lustily by a group of sports fans before entering the annual Fanatics Fest in Manhattan, New York.
LeBron James is widely love — and despised
One fan can be heard saying, “Boo! You’ll never be (Michael) Jordan or Kobe (Bryant),” one fan screamed at King James. “F–k outta here!”
James, 40, didn’t didn’t respond to the hecklers. He just walked into the building he was heading toward. The fan persisted after LBJ disappeared into the building. “LeBum! LeBum! F–k outta here!”
LeBron James gets rousing ovation inside
James received a much more positive reception once he was inside the Fantatics Fest as he was swarmed for autograph requests and fans screamed his name as if he was the lead singer in a rock band.
In fact, LBJ received the loudest ovation during the introductions of the latest episode of his “The Shop” show that featured rising NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama and Tom Brady, whom many consider the greatest football player of all time.
LeBron James films his two shows
James also leveraged the sports-based festival to film an episode of his other podcast, “Mind the Game,” which he normally hosts with NBA Hall of Famer and two-time MVP Steve Nash.
Also during Fantatics Fest, James connected with longtime friend Jay-Z to sign autographs for the Roc Nation founder and billionaire baron.
LeBron James remains the face of the NBA
After 20 years in the league, James remain enormously popular and widely despised. The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. James averaged 25.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 blocks per game in the five-game series. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in Game 5. But he seemed to be feeling little effects of the injury as his gait appeared unhampered.
James is the oldest active player in the NBA. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks per game for the Lakers this season in 70 games, according to NBA.com.
Arguably the best player of all time, James boasts career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks after 21 seasons.
The complexion of the team may be altered, however, as James’ the Lakers reportedly sold the majority ownership of the Lakers to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter for $10 billion.
