Swearing during live postgame interviews appears to be the new thing during the opening week of the 2023-24 NBA season.
On Wednesday night, Luka Dončić’ dropped an f-bomb after the Mavericks defeated the Spurs in their season opener. Thursday night, it was LeBron James’s turn to crown a live mic.
The Lakers beat the Suns, 100–95, led by Anthony Davis with 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. It was a strong turnaround for the eight-time All-Star after going scoreless in the second half of Tuesday’s season-opening matchup with the Nuggets.
David Zalubowski/AP
Davis took heavy criticism from fans and media for that performance and TNT’s Jared Greenberg asked James about that following the win over Phoenix. The Lakers star used the s-word–not once, but twice–in sticking up for his teammate.
Check it out, with or without earmuffs.
— dubs408 (@somedubvids) October 27, 2023
“We don’t give a s— about criticism about AD,” James said. “We don’t care. Nothing bothers us. I don’t know if guys have figured that out. AD does not care. He’s not on social media, so he doesn’t see that other crap.”
“He rarely talks. Unless it’s to us,” James continued. “So we don’t give a s— about it. He definitely doesn’t. Just go out and do his job and we’re happy to have AD.”
Yet unlike Dončić’ the night before, James knew exactly what he was doing. This wasn’t a slip-up followed by an apology. He was feeling defiant after defeating a fellow top Western Conference contender and holding that explosive offense to 95 points. Or James just didn’t care about being on live TV.
Regardless, fans loved James using some strong language after a big win.
Lebron on TV cursing to defend AD, he’s going off script now…lol
— Pepé Silvia ⚜️ (@SlayYoung23) October 27, 2023
Luka cursing on ESPN. LeBron cursing on TNT. I love it. NBA season is officially BACK!!! pic.twitter.com/hccsGNIgKH
— Randy Cruz (@randyjcruz) October 27, 2023
LeBron cursing twice in a live interview???! Yeah he really don't give a fuck in Year 21 😂😂😂
— Fo Shizz Fo Shizz!!! (@SirDreDeux) October 27, 2023
LeBron cursing twice in a live interview???! Yeah he really don't give a fuck in Year 21 😂😂😂
— Fo Shizz Fo Shizz!!! (@SirDreDeux) October 27, 2023
LeBron out here cursing like he's 6 beers deep at the cookout when asked if the Lakers and AD care about all the criticism he's been getting in the press.
— Paul Dawkins (@Paul__Dawkins) October 27, 2023
By the way, James added 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists with the two s-words in Thursday’s game.
