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LeBron James recently made some controversial comments about the United States' efforts in bringing WNBA star Brittney Griner back home from Russia. On "The Shop", the LA Lakers superstar appeared to criticize the US government while discussing Griner being detained in Russia and how she might feel about her country's efforts to bring her home.
"Now, how can she feel like America has her back?" James said. "I would be feeling like, 'Do I even wanna go back to America?'"
After receiving backlash, James released a statement clarifying the situation. The four-time champ explained that he was only pointing out what could have been Griner's state of mind at the time.
"My comments on 'The Shop' regarding Brittney Griner wasn't knocking our beautiful country," James wrote. "I was simply saying how she's probably feeling emotionally along with so many other emotions, thoughts, etc inside that cage she's been in for over 100+ days! Long story short #BringHerHome."
Former NBA player and recently naturalized American, Enes Freedom, has clapped back at "The King." The former No. 3 pick, who last played for the Boston Celtics in 2021-22, thinks James does not know how a dictatorship works. He even suggested that James volunteer himself to be detained in exchange for Griner.
"You call it a step back; we call this a walk back," Kanter wrote on Twitter. "You are free to leave buddy, or you can even volunteer for an exchange for her. Some people literally have NO idea what is it like to live in a dictatorship. Keep taking your freedom for granted."
Enes Freedom called out LeBron James last season as well
Enes Freedom was very critical of China and Nike at the start of last season. Nike was one of many companies linked to the alleged forced labor of the Uyghur people in China.
Freedom also called out LeBron James and Michael Jordan for their lack of awareness about the alleged human rights violations in the country.
In an interview with Tim Bontemps of ESPN, Freedom spoke about possibly educating "The King" regarding the issue.
"I'd love to sit down and talk to him," Freedom said. "I'm sure it's going to be a very uncomfortable conversation for him. I don't know if he's gonna want that. I'll make that really comfortable for him. I don't know if he's educated enough, but I'm here to educate him, and I'm here to help him, because it's not about money."
He continued:
"It's about morals, principles and values. It's about what you stand for. There are way bigger things than money."
Guess the Lakers players!
