LeBron James under scrutiny from NBA champion following Lakers' playoff exit: 'He don't give a...'

The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a disappointing performance in Game 5 of the first-round series and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sealing an early exit few had predicted. In the aftermath, a former NBA champion took aim at LeBron James.

“Bron ain’t playing for real no more,” said Jeff Teague on the Club 520 Podcast. He backed his claim by drawing from his own experience facing James in the league: “I played against LeBron enough times. That (expletive) don’t give a (expletive) no more.”

Teague elaborated on why he believes the Lakers star wasn’t playing seriously in the games against Minnesota. “He shot a step-back three and hit the side of the backboard. I was like, ‘Yeah, Bron ain’t playing for real.’ Because usually Bron just puts his head down and drives,” said the former Atlanta Hawks point guard.

And it wasn’t just LeBron’s on-court decisions that convinced Jeff—his demeanor during the games raised red flags as well. “When have you ever seen Bron, in the middle of a playoff game, laughing and joking?” he asked.

Jeff Teague playing against LeBron James

“He don’t give a (expletive) about this (expletive). He’s like, ‘Bro, my son is here, I ain’t tripping on this (expletive),’” added the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks champion. “You can do whatever you want, I don’t give a (expletive).”

see also

Lakers out of the 2024–25 NBA playoffs: Is LeBron James retiring?

Was LeBron unhappy with the Lakers’ roster?

In the same conversation, Jeff Teague addressed LeBron James’ apparent lack of motivation and speculated it may stem from not believing in the Lakers’ chances this year: “I don’t think he thinks they can win another one,” said the former guard.

In the postgame press conference following the Lakers’ loss to the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, LeBron spoke about the departure of Anthony Davis and seemed to echo some of the thoughts Teague had shared.

James was asked how the lack of a center impacted the team this season. “No comment,” began the four-time NBA champion. “I never say that because my guy AD said what he needed, and then he was gone the following week. I’ve got no comment. I put that uniform on every night and gave everything I had and that’s all that matters.”