Unexpected Aftermath of LeBron James’ Brian Windhorst Controversy Revealed as 3 NBA Players’ Dislike for Lakers Star Surfaces

For most people, LeBron James’ appearance on The Pat McAfee Show was a treat to watch. For Brian Windhorst however, it was a nightmare. While Windy has been one of LeBron’s biggest advocates throughout his career and has often claimed to have a great relationship with him, the Lakers star seemingly did not reciprocate those emotions. “This guy says he’s like my f—— best friend. These guys are just weird.” James said about the ESPN veteran.

Moreover, LBJ accused Brian for spreading a false narrative, “‘He signed with Nike because of Michael Jordan.’ I was like ‘No the f— I didn’t.’ I signed with Nike cause I got a hell of a signing bonus and they gave me the 7-year $90 million contract.” Following LeBron’s public callout, the veteran analyst feared only one thing – Losing the players’ trust. “I would have preferred that it didn’t happen… I actually felt like it might have, my concern was that it would damage me with players because he’s so influential with players.” Windy remarked on The Bill Simmons Podcast.

Of course, LeBron being the face of the NBA, his voice is heard by every player around the league and many even religiously follow what he says. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his commitment to resuming the season inside the Bubble played a significant role in motivating others to participate. So, Windhorst’s concern was justified. But what happened later took him by surprise, “I’ve had more players come up and not that all of them are, but I’ve had more support from players current and former than I thought I would get for that.”

Turns out, Windy has received massive support from the NBA community, which has helped him excel at his insider job despite the controversy. Just shows the kind of relationships he has built within the league. After clarifying the unexpected aftermath, Windy also addressed LeBron’s accusations, “There’s probably 15 things LeBron could be angry at me about that I’ve said or written over the years. He could legitimately be like ‘That was wrong. That was unfair. You don’t know what you’re talking about.’ He could have hit me with any of those I would’ve been like ‘You’re right. Shouldn’t have done that. I was out of line.’ But what he accused me of was not one of them.” Yes, the analyst denied any involvement in the Jordan-Nike claim that led to James’ public outburst. But does players’ support for Windhorst hint at something bigger? Maybe even a hidden dislike for LeBron?

NBA survey puts LeBron James’ likeability among players in question as Brian Windhorst gives final verdict on controversy

Well, LeBron is a polarizing figure among fans. Some hate him, some love him, which is expected for a person with global recognition. But what about his peers? Turns out, even three NBA players are not too fond of King James. According to a recent survey with 153 players participating, three voted LeBron the “most overrated player.” Yes, despite four championships, four MVPs, the scoring record, and countless other records, 2.2% of the surveyed players believe the Lakers star is overrated.

LeBron James received votes by anonymous players for the most “overrated player” in the NBA, per @TheAthletic pic.twitter.com/sbvMmOnWp7

— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 22, 2025

However, he was tied with several other stars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George, Zion Williamson, and more. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton received the most votes at 14.4% and Rudy Gobert was a close second with 10%. But LeBron receiving three votes and players supporting Windy shows that not everyone in the league likes him.

Despite the chaotic aftermath of the controversy, Windhorst is not holding any grudges against LeBron. Giving his final verdict on Simmons’ podcast, he said, “It was fine. And I’m not just saying this like he doesn’t owe me anything, so its fine. I don’t know he feels about it but it was a great relationship for me.” Maybe, the two St. Vincent-St. Mary alums will publicly bury the hatchet sometime in the future. Thoughts?

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