Professional athletes often enjoy visiting cities known for their vibrant atmosphere, like Los Angeles, New York City, and Las Vegas. These places offer a lively nightlife and good marketing prospects.
In contrast, there are cities that players tend to dislike, often found dull or lacking opportunities outside the sport.
Most players keep these feelings to themselves to avoid offending anyone or facing backlash from fans.
This week, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers openly expressed his dislike for playing in Memphis against the Grizzlies, even suggesting the team should relocate within Tennessee.
LeBron James shares his thoughts on Memphis
While golfing on the Bob Does Sports YouTube show, James discussed his reluctance to play in Memphis.
He joked about how he might have skipped the game if the Grizzlies had won the NBA Draft Lottery during his draft year, but he was serious about his feelings on the city.
“I’m f–king 41 years old, you think I want to do that s–t being in Memphis on a random a– Thursday? I’m not the only one in the NBA who feels this way. You guys need to move. Go to Nashville… The only time I would have played there was in 2003 if they won the lottery. I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not shown up.”
The main point is that LeBron James seems to underestimate the local culture, including music and food options.
He proposed moving the team to Nashville, saying that it “has everything.”
The Lakers played one game in Memphis this season in October but will not return until next season, as the Grizzlies are out of playoff contention. Regardless of where James plays next season, his next visit to Memphis might not be received well.
The Grizzlies have been in Memphis since the 2001-02 season, after spending six years in Vancouver.