Why LeBron James Is Calling Out ESPN's Brian Windhorst - Inside the NBA's Strangest Feud
LeBron James (Image via Getty Images)
LeBron James
and
Brian Windhorst
have a complicated history, and their recent public exchanges have brought their strained relationship into the spotlight. The Lakers star has taken shots at the ESPN reporter, calling him "weird" and dismissing his claims about their past connection.
Here's what's behind their feud and why it's heating up now.
How LeBron James and Brian Windhorst first crossed paths
LeBron James
and Brian Windhorst go way back—all the way to LeBron's high school days in Akron, Ohio. Windhorst covered local sports for the *Akron Beacon Journal*, where he first reported on the future NBA superstar. Both attended St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School and grew up on the west side of Akron. Their connection even extended to Windhorst's mother, who taught sex education to both of them.
For years, Brian Windhorst was one of the few reporters with close access to LeBron James. He was reportedly the only journalist allowed to speak with LeBron when his then-girlfriend was about to give birth to their son, Bronny. But as James' fame grew, their relationship shifted, with the natural divide between athlete and reporter becoming more pronounced.
What sparked the recent tension between LeBron and Windhorst?
The feud became public when LeBron James appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and took aim at Windhorst. He mocked the reporter's claims of being close to him and criticized his analysis of James' Nike deal, which Windhorst suggested was influenced by
Michael Jordan
.
'I see Brian Windhorst on one of these shows not too long ago. The guy who says he's like my (expletive) best friend,' James said. 'These guys… it's weird.'
Windhorst responded by clarifying their relationship, stating, 'LeBron doesn't owe me anything, I owe him a lot. Just know, I met LeBron 25 years ago. And my understanding of LeBron and where people stand in his life has been crystal clear.' (H/t Sporting News)
The latest escalation in their feud
The conflict took another turn when James' podcast, *Mind the Game*, used a clip of Windhorst from *First Take* in a promotional video.
The clip appeared to show Windhorst dismissing the idea of a basketball show focused on X's and O's, though the context wasn't entirely clear. James reposted the edited clip, adding fuel to the fire.
Also read:
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry surprises son Canon Curry with Mr. Beast video call in heartwarming moment
With both men entrenched in their positions, the back-and-forth shows no signs of stopping. Windhorst continues covering the NBA, while LeBron James remains one of the league's most outspoken stars. Whether this feud fades or escalates further remains to be seen, but for now, it's one of the more unusual conflicts in sports media.
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