LeBron James Bluntly Suggests Grizzlies Should Move to Nashville

NBA superstar cites travel, scheduling, and market appeal as reasons why the Memphis franchise should consider relocation.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game or match, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange intersecting to create a dynamic, abstract composition.LeBron James' candid comments about the Memphis Grizzlies' future location expose the complex factors that influence player preferences in the modern NBA.Memphis Today

LeBron James made direct comments suggesting the Memphis Grizzlies should consider relocating to Nashville, citing factors like player travel, scheduling, and the overall appeal of smaller NBA markets. James' remarks quickly grabbed attention and sparked a wider conversation around Memphis as an NBA destination, with the NBA star pointing to Nashville as a potential alternative location that could be a better fit for the franchise.

Why it matters

LeBron's comments highlight the long-standing perceptions among players regarding certain smaller NBA markets like Memphis, where discussions about market appeal and travel preferences continue to surface. This is not the first time relocation ideas have been mentioned for the Grizzlies, and James' high-profile stance adds fuel to the ongoing conversation around the franchise's future.

The details

In a clip shared via Bob Does Sports, LeBron James made his stance clear, saying 'I'm f______ 41 years old. You think I want to do that s___ in Memphis on a random a__ Thursday?' He went on to suggest that the Grizzlies' 'only chance would have been 2003 if they would have won lottery, and I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not showed up.' James expanded on the idea, saying the team should 'just go over to Nashville' as a potential relocation destination.

  • LeBron James made the comments in a recent interview clip that was shared on April 3, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who has played in the league for over two decades and is one of the most influential voices in professional basketball.

Anthony Edwards

The star player for the Memphis Grizzlies, who have built a competitive team around him in recent years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm f______ 41 years old. You think I want to do that s___ in Memphis on a random a__ Thursday?”

— LeBron James, NBA Superstar

“We're all like, 'You guys have to move.' Just go over to Nashville... Their only chance would have been 2003 if they would have won lottery, and I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not showed up.”

— LeBron James, NBA Superstar

What’s next

The Grizzlies organization has not yet responded to LeBron James' comments, and it remains to be seen if the franchise will consider relocation options in the future.

The takeaway

LeBron James' blunt comments about the Memphis Grizzlies highlight the ongoing challenges smaller NBA markets face in attracting and retaining top talent. While the Grizzlies have built a competitive team, player preferences and perceptions around travel, scheduling, and market appeal continue to be a factor in discussions about the franchise's long-term future.