LeBron James heckled by Knicks fans once again as the basketball star visited New York on Sunday, continuing a pattern of hostility from the group known for their boisterous behavior. After a previous episode where Knicks supporters threw trash at a Pacers fan during the Eastern Conference Finals, the tension escalated when James appeared outside the Fanatics Fest.
Video footage shared by TMZ on X captured a crowd of Knicks fans surrounding LeBron’s entourage, directing insults and chants at the four-time NBA champion. Among the crowd, one fan specifically berated James, declaring that he could never surpass Michael Jordan’s legacy.
“Get out of here, LeBron, go back to LA! Don’t come to New York with that s*it. Boo, LeBum, you’ll never beat Jordan or Kobe,” the fan remarked.
Though LeBron has not played in the Eastern Conference since joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019, his history with the Knicks remains a sore spot for their fans. During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, James posted solid numbers against New York, averaging 26.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists over 61 regular-season games. He also eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs while winning his first NBA championship with the Heat.
Support from Brooklyn streamer Kai Cenat urges LeBron to keep playing
Despite the loud disapproval from Knicks supporters, LeBron James received encouragement during the Fanatics Fest from other attendees, notably Brooklyn native streamer Kai Cenat. Cenat appeared alongside James, Tom Brady, and Victor Wembanyama on a live episode of ‘The Shop,’ where he openly expressed his admiration for LeBron and urged him not to retire.
During this interaction, Cenat made it clear that LeBron’s presence in the NBA still resonates with younger fans and that his departure would be hard to accept.
“Imma just say it, Bron, you cannot retire gang, you can’t retire. I can’t imagine. From my perspective, I am 23 bro, you’ve been there the whole time it’ll be weird,” he declared.
LeBron is anticipated to begin his 23rd NBA season in 2025-26 and is expected to re-sign with the Lakers as he pursues another championship, aiming to join forces with rising star Luka Doncic.
Ongoing rivalry with Knicks fans highlights LeBron’s lasting impact
The ongoing heckling from Knicks fans reflects the lasting impact LeBron James has had on New York basketball culture, despite no longer being part of the Eastern Conference. His previous successes against the Knicks, combined with his high profile as an NBA icon, keep him a target of frustration for the fan base.
This tension illustrates how deeply fans can hold onto rivalries, especially when a player like LeBron challenges the legacies of past legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Although some voices condemn him, others, including influential new voices like Kai Cenat, continue to support his career.
As the 2025 NBA season approaches, LeBron’s ability to maintain his form and possibly add to his championship total will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, ensuring that his relationship with the Knicks fan base remains a compelling storyline in the league.