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LeBron James is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have played in the NBA. Some think he is the best player at the moment, but not everyone agrees with that narrative.
James' age is believed to be one of the major reasons behind that. Moreover, the last time he won an MVP award was way back in 2013. It just goes to show that many have not thought of him as the best player in the NBA's current generation for several years now.
That wasn't the first time he blasted his critics online, though. James has been involved in many online rants over the years, particularly in the last year or so. A recent example of LeBron James hitting back at his critics was when his new movie ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ released.
The reviews for the film weren’t great, but it had a solid opening-day collection at the box office, which saw the LA Lakers star take to social media and taunt his haters.
On that note, let's take a look at five recent instances when LeBron James hit back at his critics on social media:
#5 LeBron James receives 16 votes in 2020 NBA MVP voting
LeBron James had a sensational 2019-20 season with the LA Lakers, winning his fourth NBA title. The 36-year-old was one of the top candidates to win the MVP award after leading the Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference and their first playoff appearance since 2013.
James averaged 25.3 points 10.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds that campaign. However, he lost the NBA MVP award that year to Giannis Antetokounmpo after receiving only 16 first-place votes.
James took to social media immediately after the results were out, and was evidently unhappy with the result. Here's what he tweeted:
He also went ahead and spoke about it at a press conference, and claimed he was 'pissed' after learning the results.
#4 LeBron James on not being mentioned in the greatest scorers conversation
LeBron James is one of the best all-around players in the NBA. He has delivered at both ends of the floor consistently. There are very few players who can match James' overall numbers and exploits over the years.
However, LeBron James is always excluded from the conversation of the game's elite scorers because many believe his other aspects, like his passing, outweigh his qualities as a scorer. James holds multiple scoring records in the NBA. He has surpassed the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant on the all-time charts. and is currently the third-highest scorer in the history of the NBA.
LeBron James wasn't too pleased with the way his critics have always disregarded him from the conversation of an elite scorer. He posted one of his best and an almost unbreakable record on his Instagram handle to clap back.
Despite being regarded as a 'pass-first' guy, LeBron James has managed to produced 25 points per game for 17 straight seasons in his career. The only time he averaged below 25 points was during his rookie year.
#3 LeBron James reacts to trolls on the 'old' squad LA Lakers have assembled for the 2021-22 NBA Season
The LA Lakers have one of the oldest squads heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. They did not have any cap room to acquire big-name players via free agency. So after the acquisition of Russell Westbrook via trade, the only way the Lakers could fill their roster spots was by offering veterans minimum contracts.
The Lakers did exactly that but ended up acquiring most players on the wrong side of 30. However, they signed potential Hall of Famers like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, among others, too. So there are mixed perceptions about their chances of winning the title next season.
Nevertheless, some NBA fans relentlessly roasted the LA Lakers for their offseason business, and LeBron James took notice of that. James made sure he hit back with a tweet of his own, although he deleted it later on. He said:
"Keep talking about my squad, our personnel ages, the way he plays, he stays injured, we’re past our time in this league, etc etc etc. Do me one favor PLEASE!!!! And I mean PLEASE!!! Keep that same narrative ENERGY when it begins! That’s all I ask."
The LA Lakers and LeBron James have a short timeline to win another title. So it wasn't surprising that they went all out in the offseason to assemble a squad filled with multiple former All-Stars and potential future Hall of Famers. Despite having an 'old' roster, the LA Lakers are the oddsmakers' second favorite team to win the title next season.
#2 LeBron James taunts critics who think Russell Westbrook and him cannot fit in together
When the LA Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook, many analysts and fans observed that he wouldn't be a great fit alongside LeBron James. Westbrook isn't one of the best shooters in the league, and is also a ball-dominant player like James.
The Lakers' brass and James seem confident about the partnership, though. The former Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers star posted a workout picture on Instagram along with Westbrook, with a caption that read:
"I agree I don’t think this will work @russwest44."
LeBron James posted that comment sarcastically for his critics to take note of. Here's the picture he posted:
#1 LeBron James issues response on ESPN's offseason survey
In one of the more recent incidents, LeBron James took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with critics. ESPN took an offseason survey that included ten NBA executives and scouts in determining the best player in the league ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season.
James is used to being involved in these conversations, but ESPN's latest survey, surprisingly for many, didn't see James receive even a single vote. All ten votes were split between Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with both stars receiving five votes each. Here's LeBron's reaction to the survey:
LeBron James seems fueled by this offseason survey. It has created a lot of buzz among NBA fans, as they now expect the 4-time NBA champion to produce a staggering season in the 2021-22 NBA campaign.
