James supported Israel on social media, with fans lashing out, calling it a hypocritical villain
The new NBA season is about to begin, and teams are warming up and adjusting for the final hours in the preseason. However, in addition to basketball, the political stance of some players has also caused a lot of controversy and discussion. Among them, the most notable is the Lakers superstar LeBron James. James posted a statement on social media expressing his support for Israel, prompting fierce lashes from fans, with some calling him a hypocritical villain and others questioning his focus on basketball.
James' statement was made in conjunction with his business partner, Maverick Carter, on behalf of the SpringHill Company, which they co-founded. The statement read: "The destruction suffered by Israel is tragic and unacceptable, and Hamas's murder and violence against innocent people is terrorism. The SpringHill Company family extends our deepest condolences to the Israeli and Jewish communities. We pray for peace in the region and reaffirm our continued commitment to combating hatred in all its forms. We must work to ensure that this tragedy does not spread more hatred, racism and anti-Semitism. ”
The statement comes in the wake of a new round of conflict between Palestine and Israel. Since Hamas announced its military action against Israel on 7 October, the two sides have killed more than 2,700 people and displaced 330,000. Israel has carried out massive air strikes on the Gaza Strip, leading to a serious humanitarian crisis, while Hamas has fired thousands of rockets into Israel, causing a large number of civilian casualties.
James's statement immediately aroused disgust and anger among fans, with some believing that he was defending Israel and ignoring the suffering and injustice suffered by the Palestinian people; Some believe that he is selling his conscience and principles in order to curry favor with the Jewish capitalists; Some people think that he is using his influence to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, rather than focusing on playing basketball well. Netizens have left messages criticizing James, such as:
"Old Zhan, you are betraying your own race and faith by doing this, how can you support those thugs who slaughter innocent children and women? How can you forget the racism and oppression you yourself have suffered? How can you forget that you yourself once said 'black life counts'? ”
"Old Zhan, you are selling your own soul and dignity by doing this, how can you stand on the side of the Jewish capitalists who exploit and control your NBA league for money? How can you give up your conscience and justice in order to keep your brand endorsements and business partnerships? How can you betray your fans and supporters in order to maintain your false image and reputation? ”
"Old Zhan, you are interfering in other countries' internal affairs by doing this, how can you use your influence to take sides, instead of calling for the cessation of the war and the protection of civilians? How can you see only the pain of one and ignore the sorrow of the other? How can you listen to one side without understanding the other's reasons? How can you only care about your own interests and not respect the choices of others? ”
James did not respond to the criticism or delete or modify his statement. He does not seem to be in the public opinion of the unexpected world, nor is he worried about his image or reputation being damaged. He just continued to play for the Lakers in the preseason in preparation for the new season. He excelled in pre-season. He showed that he was comprehensive and efficient on the offensive end, but also contributed on the defensive end. Not only can you play tough and flexible moves on the inside, but you can also project stable and soft three-pointers on the outside. His style of play is amazing and admirable.
In short, James' support for Israel on social media sparked fierce lashes from fans, with some calling him a hypocritical villain. James ignored the criticism and did not change his position. He just focused on basketball and playing every game for the Lakers. He excelled in the preseason, showing his strength and charisma as one of the NBA's best players. He will continue to fight for championships in the new season and bring more exciting basketball games to fans.