LeBron James Blasts Memphis, Urges Grizzlies to Relocate to Nashville

The Lakers star didn't hold back in criticizing the city and calling for the NBA team to move to a more desirable location.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a basketball court into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in navy blue, light blue, gold, and the colors of an opposing team. The image conceptually represents the debate over the Memphis Grizzlies' future location.A cubist interpretation of the ongoing debate over the Grizzlies' future location, with the team's home court fractured into geometric shapes representing the tensions between Memphis and more desirable NBA destinations.Today in Nashville

LeBron James expressed strong disdain for the city of Memphis in a video collaboration with the YouTube show 'Bob Does Sports.' The 41-year-old Lakers star bluntly stated that he doesn't want to play the Grizzlies in Memphis, arguing the team should relocate to Nashville to expand their market. James isn't the only NBA player to suggest the Grizzlies should move, with Warriors' Draymond Green also voicing support for a relocation to Nashville.

Why it matters

James's comments highlight growing frustration among NBA players about having to travel to and play in Memphis, which is seen by some as an undesirable destination. The Grizzlies have struggled with low attendance in recent years, adding fuel to the relocation debate. However, the team is currently committed to staying in Memphis through at least 2029 when their arena lease expires.

The details

In the video, James said, 'I'm f---ing 41 years of age. You think I want to do s--- in Memphis on a random Thursday?' He continued, 'I'm not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team... go over to Nashville already.' Green made similar comments on his podcast, saying, 'Just do everybody a favor and move that team to Nashville... Get [the Grizzlies] the hell out of Memphis and send them to Nashville.'

  • LeBron James made the comments in a recent video collaboration with the YouTube show 'Bob Does Sports'.
  • Draymond Green made his comments about relocating the Grizzlies to Nashville last month on his podcast.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old NBA star who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and has been critical of having to play the Memphis Grizzlies.

Draymond Green

An NBA player for the Golden State Warriors who has also suggested the Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville.

Adam Silver

The NBA commissioner who has commented on the possibility of NBA expansion and relocation, but has stated that moving the Grizzlies to Nashville is not currently on the table.

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What they’re saying

“I'm f---ing 41 years of age. You think I want to do s--- in Memphis on a random Thursday? I'm not the first guy in the NBA to talk about this. You guys got to move the team... go over to Nashville already.”

— LeBron James, NBA Player

“Just do everybody a favor and move that team to Nashville... Get [the Grizzlies] the hell out of Memphis and send them to Nashville.”

— Draymond Green, NBA Player

What’s next

The Grizzlies' lease at FedEx Forum in Memphis runs out in 2029, and the team is currently negotiating a new lease that would include a $550 million renovation of the arena, indicating they plan to remain in Memphis for the foreseeable future despite the calls for relocation.

The takeaway

While some NBA players have expressed strong distaste for having to play in Memphis, the Grizzlies appear committed to staying in the city for at least the next several years. Any potential relocation to a more desirable market like Nashville would likely not happen until the team's current arena lease expires in 2029 at the earliest.