NBA All Star 2026: Backlash as LeBron says he heard ‘great things’ about Israel

Palestine and Israel unexpectedly sparked debate at this year’s NBA All Star weekend in Los Angeles, with many online users criticising LeBron James for praising Israel on Sunday. 

Israel’s Channel 14 asked the basketball star to send a message to his fans in Israel during a press conference.

The Lakers player responded in part: “I hope I inspire people over there (Israel) not only to be great in sports, but to be better in general in life, hopefully someday I can make it over there,” adding that he has “heard nothing but great things” about the country. 

His comments sparked fury online, with fans highlighting that Israel's genocide in Gaza, which has killed over 72,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 170,000, has been dominating news and social media since October 2023. 

These numbers are widely regarded by experts and researchers to be conservative, with some putting the death toll in Gaza at 100,000 to nearly 200,000.

"Livestreamed genocide of Palestinians all over the internet for over 2 years now & 75+ years of apartheid before that, but LeBron has only ever heard of 'nothing but great things over there'... spineless coward," said one user. 

Many criticised LeBron’s comments as ignorant and accused the Lakers star of being an "immoral sellout".

Others accused the basketball player, who has been vocal on a range of social justice and rights issues, of hypocrisy.

Social media users have pointed out that LeBron has highlighted the works of anti-colonial and Black liberation leader Malcom X, widely known for his criticism of Israel and as an advocate for the Palestinian cause. 

Several people posted pictures of LeBron reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X, and countered the basketball player's comments with Malcolm X's stance on Israeli settler colonialism. Others suggested that the basketball player did not fully understand Malcolm's message. 

Many users compared his comments to Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, who appeared courtside in a "Press" t-shirt, honouring the over 250 Palestinian journalists killed by Israel. 

"In a world full of Lebron James', be a Kyrie Irving," posted several people on X. 

Renowned American filmmaker Spike Lee was also spotted wearing a keffiyeh pattern and Palestinian flag sweatshirt during the game, showing solidarity and raising awareness for Palestine.