LeBron James and Donald Trump (Photos via Getty Images)
LeBron James has made no secret of his dislike for Donald Trump, but it appears he was expected to at least condemn the assassination attempt on the former U.S. President.
The Los Angeles Lakers star has been outspoken on political issues, having made it clear that he’s more than a basketball player and is unwilling to shut up and dribble. However, he has yet to address Saturday’s harrowing incident publicly.
Outkick is among LeBron’s critics, hitting out at the four-time champion over his lack of a reaction while away with Team USA.
“LeBron does not like Trump, often refusing to refer to him by name,” the outlet’s Bobby Burack wrote. “But the events that transpired on Saturday are bigger than both basketball and politics. A mentally ill man tried to murder a former U.S. president and almost succeeded.
“Now, there’s a difference between James and, say, Patrick Mahomes. The latter excused himself from political commentary.
“Mahomes just wants to play football. We respect that. Conversely, LeBron James wants to be a social advocate in addition to playing basketball. But James can’t be a true advocate of change if he only speaks out when politically and financially convenient.”
LeBron James said he would NEVER "shut up and dribble" and not talk about stories bigger than basketball.
Yet he hasn't said a word about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.https://t.co/cOJfK69zBC
— OutKick (@Outkick) July 17, 2024
LeBron James’ Team USA Coach Had Something To Say
Unlike James, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who’s currently coaching Team USA, had something to say.
“It’s such a demoralizing day for our country, and it’s yet another example of not only our political division but also our gun culture,” Kerr told reporters.
“A 20-year-old with an AR-15 trying to shoot the former president. It’s hard to process everything, and it’s scary to think about where this goes because of the issues that already exist in the country. So this is a terrible day.”
The team is preparing for the Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Trump, meanwhile, was injured in the attempt on his life as a bullet went through his right ear. A spectator was also fatally shot, while another suffered injuries.
