Kareem Abdul-Jabbar criticized LeBron James on Sunday and said the superstar should be “embarrassed” for some of his actions that have included his past comments related to COVID-19 and its vaccine.
The NBA legend said his criticism of James stems from his high expectations for the four-time NBA champion’s activism. He added that he’d be willing to sit down with James and discuss their differences.
“I wouldn’t mind doing it if he would take the time. I definitely got the time,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “I admire the things that he’s done that have gotten all our attention. Sending a whole school to college? Wow. That’s amazing. His thoughtfulness and willingness to back it up with his wallet, you got to give him credit for that.
“So I’m not throwing stones. I just wish he wouldn’t — you know, some of the things he’s done, he should be embarrassed about. That’s just where I’m coming from.”
This is hardly the first time Abdul-Jabbar has criticized James. He called him out earlier this year for his comments supporting Golden State Warriors veteran Andrew Wiggins’ hesitancy to get the COVID-19 vaccine and for James’ comparison of the coronavirus to the flu and common cold.
James never directly addressed Abdul-Jabbar’s comments.
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Despite the criticism, Abdul-Jabbar is still rooting for James to break his NBA scoring record.
“I’m all for him doing it,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “There’s no envy there. … Just — with the issues I was talking about, things that really affect the Black community, he should be careful. That’s all I’m asking.”
Because of an ankle injury, LeBron missed Sunday’s game against the Nuggets.
