LeBron James faced a barrage of verbal abuse during a weekend visit to New York City, as a group of hostile fans targeted him on the street with jeers and comparisons to NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
In a video shared by TMZ, the Los Angeles Lakers forward is seen walking toward a venue on Bond Street while being heckled by passersby.
Several individuals began shouting insults as he arrived, with one calling him “LeBum” and another yelling, “Get outta here LeBron, go back to LA.”
The confrontation escalated when one person taunted, “You’ll never be Jordan or Kobe, you bum a**,” as others joined in the chorus of boos.
Despite the vitriol, James remained composed, offering no reaction as he continued into the building under the protection of his entourage.
LeBron was in New York for Fanatics Fest, a major sports and collectibles convention hosted at the Javits Center.
The annual event draws athletes and fans from across the country for signings, panels, and meet-and-greets.
This year’s edition featured appearances from several prominent sports figures, including NBA sensation Victor Wembanyama and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
Brady stirs GOAT debate with bold praise for LeBron
While on stage at the event, Tom Brady sparked conversation by praising James as the greatest basketball player ever-a comment that could ruffle feathers among Jordan loyalists.
“With the intensity that’s been on him, the Olympics, the different teams that he’s been on, he’s always done things the right way,” Brady said.
“He’s always risen above all the noise and B.S. and continued to deliver. So you’re witnessing the greatest ever and I hope you guys all appreciate that.”
Brady‘s admiration adds fuel to the long-running debate over who deserves the GOAT title in basketball.
Jordan, who secured six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, has long been considered the standard bearer.
Kobe Bryant, a five-time champion and beloved Lakers icon, also remains central to these discussions.
James, meanwhile, has captured four championships across three franchises – Miami, Cleveland, and Los Angeles – and continues to defy age as he enters his 22nd season in the league.
Even as debates about legacy swirl around him, LeBron’s public demeanor shows he is not easily shaken by outside noise.
His decision to ignore the heckling in New York reflects his focus on maintaining professionalism, even in hostile environments.
While moments like these reveal how polarizing LeBron remains, they also underscore the intensity of his cultural footprint.
At 39 years old, he is still one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, and whether cheered or booed, he commands attention wherever he goes.
With another NBA season looming, James is expected to continue leading the Lakers as they push for one more championship run.
And if Fanatics Fest proved anything, it is that the spotlight on LeBron James is as bright as ever – on and off the court.
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