LeBron James stated he might need refused to play for the Memphis Grizzlies if they’d landed the No. 1 decide within the 2003 NBA Draft, evaluating the state of affairs to Eli Manning’s refusal to play for the Chargers in 2004.
“Their solely probability was in 2003 if they might’ve gained the lottery to get me,” James stated. “And I would’ve pulled an Eli Manning and never proven up.”
The Cavaliers in the end gained the lottery and chosen James, whereas Memphis moved as much as No. 2 however misplaced its decide to Detroit on account of protections, lacking out on a number of high prospects.
Talking on the “Bob Does Sports activities” YouTube channel, James additionally advised the Grizzlies ought to relocate to Nashville.
“Memphis on a random ass Thursday,” James stated. “I’m not like the primary man to even discuss it within the NBA. All of us, like, ‘You guys have to maneuver. Simply go over to Nashville. You bought Vanderbilt over there, you bought the NASCAR, you bought a stadium. Don’t they received a hockey staff? Like, they’ve received all the things.”
James joins others who’ve raised comparable concepts, together with Draymond Inexperienced and Stephen A. Smith, although the subject stays controversial in Memphis.
LeBron James Says He Would possibly Have Pulled An ‘Eli Manning’ If Grizzlies Received 2003 Lottery https://t.co/2zDxW7uetU
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 2, 2026
