LeBron James turned heads this week with an unexpected jab at a longtime media figure-someone who's known him since the very beginning. Appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," the Lakers star took a moment to call out ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the veteran NBA insider who has covered James since his high school days.
While joking with McAfee, LeBron didn't hold back when Windhorst's name came up.
"This guy who says he's like my f–king best friend," James said. "These guys are just weird."
The remark caught many by surprise, given Windhorst's long association with the four-time NBA champion and his coverage of LeBron's career spanning two decades.
Windhorst offered his response Friday during an on-air appearance, choosing not to escalate the situation. Instead, he delivered a composed and respectful take on the situation-one that acknowledged their long history but also recognized the current distance.
Windhorst Keeps Perspective After Public Callout
"LeBron doesn't owe me anything. I owe him a lot," Windhorst said. "He has been a great friend to my hometown and my alma mater. That I would stand on. Anything else, I would never say or never stand on."
He continued by emphasizing how well he understands where he fits in James' world.
"LeBron doesn't owe me anything. I owe him a lot. He has been a great friend to my hometown and my alma mater. That I would stand on. Anything else, I would never say or never stand on."
- Brian Windhorst
( @ESPNCleveland )
pic.twitter.com/p95EOWNTTd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 28, 2025
"Just know, I met LeBron 25 years ago. And my understanding of LeBron and where people stand in his life has been crystal clear."
Despite the unexpected tone from James, Windhorst's response made it clear he harbors no ill will-only perspective earned from decades of proximity to one of basketball's most scrutinized careers.
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 2:53 PM.