LeBron James Blasts Memphis, Suggests Grizzlies Should Move to Nashville

NBA superstar says he may have refused to play for Grizzlies if they drafted him in 2003

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:50pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp geometric planes in the Grizzlies' blue and gold colors as well as the Predators' navy and gold, conceptually representing the ongoing debate over the team's location.As NBA stars continue to criticize the Grizzlies' home city, the team's future in Memphis remains uncertain.Memphis Today

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, 41, unloaded on the city of Memphis during a recent interview, urging the NBA to relocate the Grizzlies. James revealed that the only way he would have played for the Grizzlies was if they had won the 2003 NBA draft lottery, and even then he "might've pulled an Eli Manning" and refused to join the team. The four-time NBA champion suggested the Grizzlies should move to Nashville, citing the lack of amenities in Memphis and the city's better sports infrastructure.

Why it matters

James' comments highlight the ongoing debate around the Grizzlies' future in Memphis, with other NBA players like Draymond Green also calling for the team to relocate. This raises questions about the long-term viability of the franchise in its current home and the factors that influence star players' willingness to play for certain teams.

The details

In his appearance on the Bob Does Sports YouTube show, James said the Grizzlies' "best chance" of drafting him would have been in 2003, but even then he "might've pulled an Eli Manning" and refused to play for the team. James criticized the lack of amenities in Memphis, saying he doesn't want to be "staying at the f***ing Hyatt at 41 years old" or playing "on a random-a** Thursday." He suggested the team should move to Nashville, which he said has better sports infrastructure including Vanderbilt University, NASCAR, and a hockey team.

  • On April 2, 2026, LeBron James made the comments during an appearance on the Bob Does Sports YouTube show.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar who has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers during his storied career.

Eli Manning

A former NFL quarterback who famously refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after they drafted him first overall in 2004.

Draymond Green

An NBA player who has also called for the Grizzlies to relocate to Nashville.

Paul Young

The mayor of Memphis, who said in February 2026 that the city is "working hard" on an extension to keep the Grizzlies in town.

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What they’re saying

“[The Grizzlies'] best chance would have been in 2003 if they had won the [NBA draft] lottery. And I might've pulled an Eli Manning and not shown up.”

— LeBron James, NBA Superstar

“Staying at the f***ing Hyatt at 41 years old, you think I want to do that s***? Being in Memphis on a random-a** Thursday. I'm not even the first guy to talk about this in the NBA. We're all like, 'You guys have to move.'”

— LeBron James, NBA Superstar

“Memphis, which probably should be in Nashville, should be an Eastern Conference team. Definitely should be in Nashville. Just do everybody a favor and move that team to Nashville. There are no great hotels in Memphis. I love the people of Memphis. They are incredible. Shoutout to the people of Memphis. I love them. But, just from an NBA standpoint, there's not a sauna or a hot tub in sight.”

— Draymond Green, NBA Player

What’s next

The Memphis mayor has stated the city is working to keep the Grizzlies, but it remains to be seen if the team will ultimately stay in Memphis or potentially relocate to Nashville as suggested by LeBron James and Draymond Green.

The takeaway

LeBron James' scathing comments about Memphis and the Grizzlies highlight the ongoing debate around the long-term viability of the franchise in its current location. His remarks, along with those of other NBA players, raise questions about what factors influence star players' willingness to play for certain teams and the broader challenges facing small-market franchises in the league.