LeBron James Reveals Two NBA Cities He Dislikes Playing In

Lakers star cites Memphis and Milwaukee as least preferred road stops due to personal preference, not criticism of cities

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:26pm

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Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has revealed that he does not enjoy playing in two NBA cities - Memphis and Milwaukee - due to personal preference at this stage of his 23-year career. James clarified that his comments were not meant as criticism of the cities or their fan bases, but rather reflected the physical and mental toll of extensive travel as he approaches his 42nd birthday.

Why it matters

James' candid comments about his dislike for playing in certain NBA cities provide a rare glimpse into the mindset of an all-time great nearing the end of his illustrious career. As the Lakers push for playoff positioning, James' preferences and physical limitations could impact the team's strategy and lineups down the stretch.

The details

In an interview with The Athletic's Law Murray, James confirmed that Milwaukee and Memphis are the two cities he 'does not like playing in right now.' He added that he 'doesn't like going home either,' likely referring to his hometown of Akron, Ohio. James later clarified that his comments were not directed at the cities or their fan bases, but rather his personal preference for certain road environments at this stage of his career.

  • On April 4, 2026, LeBron James made the comments about disliking playing in Milwaukee and Memphis.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA superstar in his 23rd season with the Los Angeles Lakers, considered one of the greatest players of all time.

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What they’re saying

“'41 years old. Two cities I do not like playing in right now. That's Milwaukee and that's Memphis... I don't like going home either. Shit, and I'm from there'”

— LeBron James, Lakers Superstar

“'I'm not talking about the city, the people in Memphis. I don't like staying at the Hyatt Centric, what's wrong with that? What's wrong with that? What are we talking about? People need to chill out.'”

— LeBron James, Lakers Superstar

What’s next

The Lakers (50-27) will look to maintain their position in the Western Conference standings when they face the Dallas Mavericks (24-53) on Easter Sunday at 4:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.

The takeaway

LeBron James' candid comments about disliking playing in certain NBA cities, while not meant as criticism, provide a rare window into the mindset of an aging superstar navigating the physical and mental demands of a long career. As the Lakers push for the playoffs, James' preferences could impact the team's strategy in the final stretch of the regular season.