Memphis Mayor Invites LeBron James to Visit City After Criticism

Young responds to James' comments about the Grizzlies potentially moving to Nashville.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:59pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp planes of navy blue, crimson red, and metallic gold overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective composition.A cubist interpretation of the ongoing debate between NBA stars and city officials over the future of the Memphis Grizzlies franchise.Memphis Today

A day after LeBron James made headlines by suggesting the Memphis Grizzlies should move to Nashville, Memphis Mayor Paul Young responded by inviting James to visit the city and experience its culture and investment opportunities. Young thanked ESPN commentators Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins for defending Memphis, and also thanked Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell for his support of the Grizzlies staying in Memphis.

Why it matters

James' comments about Memphis sparked a debate about the future of the Grizzlies franchise and the city's ability to support an NBA team. Mayor Young's invitation is an attempt to change the narrative and showcase Memphis' strengths to one of the league's biggest stars.

The details

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Mayor Young invited LeBron James to visit Memphis and experience the city's culture and investment opportunities firsthand. Young thanked ESPN commentators Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins for defending Memphis on their show 'First Take' earlier that day. Young also thanked Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell for his recent comments supporting the Grizzlies staying in Memphis.

  • On April 3, 2026, LeBron James made comments about the Grizzlies potentially moving to Nashville.
  • On April 3, 2026, Mayor Paul Young responded to James' comments on social media.

The players

LeBron James

A 4-time NBA champion and 18-time All-Star, James is one of the most influential players in the league and his comments about the Grizzlies moving to Nashville sparked a response from Memphis officials.

Paul Young

The Mayor of Memphis, Young invited James to visit the city and experience its culture and investment opportunities after the NBA star's critical comments about the city.

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN commentator who defended Memphis on his show 'First Take' in response to James' remarks about the Grizzlies.

Kendrick Perkins

An ESPN commentator who also defended Memphis on 'First Take' in response to James' comments about the Grizzlies.

Freddie O'Connell

The Mayor of Nashville, who recently expressed support for the Grizzlies staying in Memphis when asked about the team potentially moving to Nashville.

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What they’re saying

“@kingjames, I would welcome the chance to turn your criticism into action in one of the most important cities in the world. Come to Memphis and roll around with me for a bit and I will show you some of the culture and powerful investment opportunities in our City.”

— Paul Young, Mayor of Memphis

“I love Memphis and the Grizzlies.”

— Freddie O'Connell, Mayor of Nashville

“He's definitely got them steered in the right direction.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Commentator

What’s next

It remains to be seen if LeBron James will accept Mayor Young's invitation to visit Memphis and experience the city firsthand. The debate over the Grizzlies' future location is likely to continue, with both Memphis and Nashville officials making their cases.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the importance of open dialogue and mutual understanding between NBA stars and the cities that host their teams. Mayor Young's invitation to LeBron James is an attempt to change the narrative and showcase Memphis' strengths, rather than simply defending the city against criticism.