LeBron James Sparks Outrage with Memphis Relocation Comments

Lakers star's snark about moving Grizzlies to Nashville draws backlash from fans and residents.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:42pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers. The players' forms are abstracted into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the raw energy and tension of the rivalry.LeBron James' divisive comments about Memphis spark a cubist deconstruction of the rivalry between the Grizzlies and Lakers.Memphis Today

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James made controversial comments suggesting the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville, sparking outrage among Grizzlies fans and Memphis residents. James expressed his distaste for having to play in Memphis, saying "I'm f***ng 41 years old, you think I want to do that s**t being in Memphis on a random a** Thursday." He also claimed the Grizzlies' "only chance" for him to play for them was if they had won the 2003 NBA Draft lottery, saying he "might have pulled an Eli Manning" and refused to play for the team.

Why it matters

LeBron's comments have reignited long-standing debates about the Grizzlies' future in Memphis, with some fans and analysts suggesting the team should consider a move to Nashville. This comes after similar relocation remarks from Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green earlier this year. The backlash highlights the deep connection between the Grizzlies and their local fanbase, who view the team as an integral part of the Memphis community.

The details

In an interview on the Bob Does Sports YouTube channel, James made it clear he has no interest in playing in Memphis, urging the Grizzlies to relocate to Nashville instead. He cited the city's other sports teams, including Vanderbilt University, NASCAR, and a hockey franchise, as reasons why the Grizzlies would be better off there. James also revealed he likely would have refused to play for the Grizzlies if they had drafted him first overall in 2003, drawing comparisons to Eli Manning's decision to not play for the San Diego Chargers.

  • In March 2026, Draymond Green also suggested the Grizzlies should move to Nashville.
  • The Grizzlies were a lottery team in the 2003 NBA Draft, the year LeBron James was drafted first overall by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who has been one of the NBA's most dominant players for nearly two decades.

Eli Manning

A former NFL quarterback who refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after they drafted him first overall in 2004, instead engineering a trade to the New York Giants where he won two Super Bowls.

Draymond Green

An All-Star forward for the Golden State Warriors who previously suggested the Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville.

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What they’re saying

“I'm f***ng 41 years old, you think I want to do that s**t being in Memphis on a random a** Thursday. I'm not the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. Like, we all like, 'You guys have to move.' Just go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there, and you got the f***ing NASCAR. You got a stadium. Don't they have a hockey team too? Like they got everything.”

— LeBron James, Lakers Superstar

“Their only chance for me to play there was in 2003 if they would have won the lottery. And I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not showed up.”

— LeBron James, Lakers Superstar

What’s next

The Grizzlies organization and Memphis city officials have not yet responded publicly to LeBron James' comments, but the debate over the team's future location is likely to continue, especially if more high-profile players echo similar sentiments.

The takeaway

LeBron James' dismissive comments about Memphis have reignited long-simmering tensions over the Grizzlies' place in the city, highlighting the deep emotional connection between the team and its local fanbase. While relocation discussions are not new, James' star power and influence could lend more momentum to the idea of the Grizzlies moving to Nashville, a prospect that would surely devastate many in the Memphis community.