LeBron James isn’t someone who can be easily provoked. For years, several analysts have berated him for his play or some off-court decisions. But the Akron Hammer sticks away from controversy, often channeling his focus to being the best basketball player he can be. However, if the criticism is about his family, that’s where James draws the line. And he doesn’t mind bringing out the receipts in doing so.

This was evident during his recent trolling of Doug Gottlieb. The radio analyst recently took on the head coaching role at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the same college his father coached for. As an NCAA player, Gottlieb’s playmaking skills were spectacular. Sadly, he hasn’t been able to translate the success while being at the helm of the college.

His team is off to an abysmal 3-24 start this season. And when LeBron James found out, he didn’t waste much time. He took to X to launch his attack. “Earned 2 Not Given! Gotta give him credit though!” he wrote, loaded with laughing emojis. Most thought it was to get back to Gottlieb for calling Bronny James a “nepo kid” and James a bad basketball parent for forcing his elder son to the Lakers.

However, what if there is something else between the lines?

Notably, the mention of “credit” is rather unusual given the poor record the radio analyst boasts this season. This goes back nearly thirty years. In 1996, when playing for Notre Dame, Doug Gottlieb was caught for using three stolen credit cards belonging to his teammates. It led to his transfer to Oklahoma State.

That could be the incident that LeBron James is referring to. It might be considered an underhand tactic from his end. But when Gottlieb said Bronny James wouldn’t be starting for his team and the other hits he has taken at LeBron James for his parenting, there’s hardly any line left to cross.

Doug Gottlieb’s history did not affect his career

LeBron James may have brought back a story from 1996. At that time, Gottlieb admits he didn’t make his family proud. Furthermore, his actions would have severe consequences, as he couldn’t represent Notre Dame anymore. However, even when at Oklahoma State, the analyst wouldn’t be stopped in his race to make history.

As a collegiate player, the 49-year-old was a sensational playmaker. In his decorated four-year college career, Gottlieb would average 7.6 assists per game. He set up teammates 947 times through that span, which ranks for the 11th most assists in NCAA history as of today. He’s also ahead of a guard like Gary Payton, who is an NBA Hall of Famer.

Additionally, his sour incident in 1996 didn’t pose a roadblock during his hiring process. When speaking to Awful Announcing, Doug Gottlieb claims CBS did a background check on him, and “They were thorough. Just, somehow, that one got lost”. Since then, the esteemed analyst has worked for several leading companies such as ESPN, and CBS and even hosts his independent show.

Likewise, although LeBron James got even with Doug Gottlieb over his past comments, they shouldn’t have much implications on his professional career. Moreover, since his comments, the Green Bay Phoenix broke their three-month drought, claiming a comfortable win against the Wright State Raiders.