5-Time NBA Champion Calls Out Lakers’ LeBron James: ‘Have Respect For The Game’

Los Angeles Lakers great and five-time NBA champion Michael Cooper has issues with players eating at the bench during preseason and now calls out LeBron James for engaging in this “activity.”

The Lakers were playing against the Golden State Warriors. They lost the game, but LeBron’s food grabbed Cooper’s attention. The four-time NBA champion was in his regular clothes when he was eating his food.

LeBron said “y’all got it.” 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/s09oYjFcEl

— Zena Keita (@itszenakeita) October 14, 2023

“He’s LeBron James,” the Lakers great said on the “Showtime with Michael Cooper Lakers Podcast” on October 17. “But still, you’ve got to have respect for the game, man. … I don’t mind the guy eating. But go eat in the locker room. And then when you come out, then you come out and be part of the team. Not just sit on the end of the bench eating.”

We don’t think this should be a big deal for such comment. LeBron has made a name for himself and he is still the best player in the NBA. Age has nothing on him and he is ready for another wild season with the Lakers. They made the Western Conference Finals last season and everyone hopes for a strong title run this time.

LeBron to have another great season despite being called out by the NBA champion

Cooper seem to ignore all this and double down on his take. Yes, he did laugh at the end, but we believe the damage was already done.

“Don’t be like a spectator sitting over there,” Cooper said. “You know they got the fans right next to the bench now. I thought he was somebody that paid for [a seat].”

Cooper played in a different era and he may not be that open for the new way of doing things. Times have changed, right? LeBron does his best in what he knows best and that’s the only thing that matters right now.

“I played hard right from the beginning exhibition season, right into the season, in the playoffs when it was over. You can rest and dog it afterwards,” Cooper said. “You may cut your preparation for getting ready for the season next year, you may not run as hard or many miles. But no. When the basketball season start, I was ready.”