What was the Meyers Leonard antisemitic controversy as LA Lakers prepare to work him out after 2 years out of NBA

Nine-year NBA veteran big man Meyers Leonard is set to work out with the LA Lakers on Friday. The news comes from The Athletic's Shams Charania, who tweeted a few hours ago:

"Free agent center Meyers Leonard will work out for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, sources tell."

Leonard has played for two teams throughout his career, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat. However, he hasn’t been on an NBA court since January 9, 2021, due to his past antisemitic comments.

Leonard’s antisemitic comments came during a Twitch live stream of the video game "Call of Duty: Warzone" in March 2021. Leonard called another player a “f******g k**e b***h.”

Once his comments started to go viral on social media, the Miami Heat quickly took action to condemn Leonard.

“The Miami Heat vehemently condemns the use of any form of hate speech,” the Heat said in a statement.

“The words used by Meyers Leonard were wrong and we will not tolerate hateful language from anyone associated with our franchise. To hear it from a Miami Heat player is especially disappointing and hurtful to all those who work here, as well as the larger South Florida, Miami Heat and NBA communities,” the Heat’s statement continued.

This prompted Leonard to issue a formal apology for his actions. He claimed that he did not know what the word “k**e” meant when he used it.

“I am deeply sorry for using an antisemitic slur during a live stream yesterday,” Leonard said.

"While I didn’t know what the word meant at the time, my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong.

"I am now more aware of its meaning and I am committed to properly seeking out people who can help educate me about this type of hate and how we can fight it,” Leonard continued.

However, the damage was already done. Twitch suspended Leonard’s channel from its platform. Meanwhile, other prominent gaming companies affiliated with Leonard denounced him as well.

“We do not allow the use of hateful slurs on Twitch,” the company said in a statement.

Likewise, the Miami Heat announced that Leonard would be away from the team indefinitely from March 9, 2021. A few days later, Leonard was fined $50,000, suspended from the team's facilities and banned from team activities for a week. He was also required by the NBA to participate in a cultural diversity program.

"Meyers Leonard's comment was inexcusable and hurtful and such an offensive term has no place in the NBA or in our society," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

Even after his efforts to make things right with the Jewish community, Leonard's controversy still marked the end of his time in Miami. Leonard was traded to OKC shortly after, on March 17, 2021, as a salary filler in a trade involving veteran wing Trevor Ariza. The Thunder then waived him on March 25, 2021. Leonard has been out of the league ever since.

---

Can Meyers Leonard help the LA Lakers?

Nine-year NBA veteran big man Meyers Leonard

With Meyers Leonard not having played in an NBA game for over two years, it is unclear exactly what he could offer the LA Lakers. However, based on his past production, he should be able to provide the Lakers with another stretch-five and more depth in the center spot. He should also be able to play next to Lakers’ All-Star big man Anthony Davis in the frontcourt once Davis returns from a foot injury.

The Lakers are also reportedly set to work out former four-time NBA All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins on Friday, another floor-spacing big. So it’s clear they are looking for a big man who can shoot.

Meyers Leonard has career averages of just 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 48.2% shooting. However, he is a career 39.0% shooter from deep on 1.9 attempts per game, which is excellent for a 7-footer.

It remains to be seen if Leonard will make a strong enough impression on the Lakers during his workout to earn a contract from the team.

For more on Meyers Leonard's scheduled workout with the LA Lakers, click here.