Home/WNBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Playing in the NBA can bring tremendous attention to the players’ lives. While their basketball skill is always under the spotlight, their off-court endeavors too, do not get spared. However, when the players are of the stature of The King, LeBron James, the criticism knows no end. A few years ago, this criticism came from an uncanny source. LeBron James is no stranger to hate coming his way. Over his 20-year reign in the NBA, The King has caught strays throughout. Be it his credibility in the GOAT debate or his infamous ‘Decision’ in 2010, the NBA world has criticized James for every aspect of his career.

Similarly, one of his off-court ventures received strong backlash from a former teammate of the 2017 NBA MVP, Russell Westbrook years ago. Now, the same teammate made some startling statements his potential in the WNBA.

Years after taking jabs at LeBron James, an NBA star makes a peculiar claim

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

LeBron James has made several significant off-season investments over the years. However, his most successful partnership has been with the $163.02B company, Nike. It was this venture of James’ that received heavy backlash from Russell Westbrook’s former teammate, Enes Freedom back in 2021. However, the 31-year-old center made another startling comment, this time about the WNBA.

In a recent interview, Freedom discussed the possibility of trans athletes participating in the WNBA. Strongly condemning the idea, Freedom stated, “Would that be fair, I mean, I’m seven foot, 270 pounds and if I decided to identify myself as a woman and decided to play in the WNBA… would that be fair to all the women…?”

He added, “Where are all the women right activists, where are all the feminists… all the male athletes need to do whatever we can to bring voice in this.”

Furthermore, he also went on to explain his potential in the WNBA if he put on a wig and tried out, “If I’m allowed in, I will average 60 points and 30 rebounds…”

READ MORE : ?It Might Cost Me My Career, My Family, and Everything I Have?: Infamous for LeBron James Bashing, Ex-Celtics Star Addresses Latest Controversy

Freedom spoke out about some major social issues, also talking about his own potential in the WNBA. However, the Switzerland-born center has made headlines through bizarre statements several times. Over the years, Freedom has served as an activist for several social issues, also taking jabs at NBA superstars to prove his point.

Freedom has a controversial history

Enes Freedom is no stranger to controversy. The former teammate of Russell Westbrook has been vocal about several major social issues over the years. However, his activism has made him indifferent to taking jabs at fabled names in the NBA to make his voice heard. From LeBron James to the commissioner, Adam Silver, several NBA giants have fallen prey to Freedom’s words.

via Getty

Enes Freedom made headlines when he made major allegations against the Los Angeles Lakers forward, James. Referring to the human rights violations taking place in China, Freedom accused James of profiting off his endorsement deal with Nike, which has a manufacturer in China. He took his backlash to a different level when he took jabs at James on his historic night when he broke the scoring record.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Freedom also threw shade at Adam Silver after making it out of the league in 2022. After being waived following a trade from the Boston Celtics, the 31-year-old claimed that the NBA and Adam Silver are pushing him to retire.

Freedom may have a history of controversies, but the 7-foot center has only added to his reputation over the years. The former NBA star has made yet another bold claim about the WNBA, also condemning the idea of transwomen participating in the WNBA.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: ?Can?t Trust Him?: Hours Before James Harden-China Update, Disgruntled Ex-MVP Got a Scathing ?Out of the League? Warning

How far can his statements be justified? Has this further tarnished his reputation in the NBA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!