LeBron James is ridiculed by fans after moaning about Lakers’ preseason schedule

Known in the Algonquian as “the good country,” Milwaukee is said to be especially beautiful in the fall, when the maples along Lake Michigan burst into an array of vibrant fall colors. And thanks to the city’s German influence, there’s still some excitement at Oktoberfest all month long, so be sure to save some room for beer and pretzels.

Just don’t invite Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who is clearly unhappy about visiting Wisconsin’s largest city for a preseason game with the Milwaukee Bucks.

‘Can someone please explain to me why we’re on a [plane emoji] and heading to Milwaukee for 1 pre-season game!?!?’ James asked on X, where he was quickly mocked for his question.

Several commenters took the “shut up and dribble” approach, reminding the soon-to-be 40-year-old James that he’s being paid $48 million this season, so he probably shouldn’t complain about Thursday’s exhibition.

“Because they pay you $50,000,000 to play basketball,” wrote one fan on X in a post that would be repeated countless times.

LeBron James is seen using his cell phone before a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena

Others laughed with some lighthearted responses.

“Hey LeBron, it’s Greg,” one popular X user wrote. ‘The reason for this is that if you drove there it would take more than 29 hours, so I’m guessing your coaches thought it would be more efficient to fly. I hope this helps.’

Another wondered if James was “getting too old for this unnecessary travelling.”

But perhaps the most relevant response came from The Athletic’s John Hollinger, who reminded James that the decision to travel halfway across a continent was made by the Lakers, not the NBA.

“Almost certainly because his own team’s staff agreed to plan it, probably two or three years ago,” Hollinger wrote on X.

Hollinger is right. While the NBA regular season schedule is set by the league office, the preseason schedule is free for all. Sometimes the NBA can arrange for teams to play abroad in an effort to promote the league, such as the recent two-game matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi.

LeBron James, left, and Bronny James warm up before an NBA preseason basketball game

And in the case of the Lakers, the team itself is scheduling six games in five arenas this preseason to accommodate renovations at LA’s Crypto.com Arena.

Finally, in what will surely be a theme for the 2024-25 season, many others made fun of James’ son and teammate, second-round pick Bronny James.

“I think he’s worried about Bronny getting fussy if he doesn’t get enough sleep,” one fan joked.

Another suggested the Lakers should fly to Milwaukee because “Bronny needed practice.

The younger James wasn’t a factor through two preseason games, recording two points on 1-of-7 shooting as the Lakers were outscored by 28 points in the 29 minutes he was on the floor.