Lakers’ LeBron backs Giannis’ message after blockbuster trade

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lakers’ LeBron backs Giannis’ message after blockbuster trade

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints | Last updated Jun 24, 2026 2:27 AM ET

LeBron James is arguably the most criticized player in NBA history. That just comes with the territory when you’re also arguably the greatest player of all time. The Los Angeles Lakers star has experienced a lot of criticism and hate over the last few years.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Lakers star is also a supporter of frequently criticized players. After getting traded to the Miami Heat, ex-Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is now the talk of the town. Clips of the former MVP’s statements are starting to go viral. One such comment was Antetokounmpo talking about Michael Jordan. The Greek star talked about failure, rhetorically asking if Jordan’s nine years without winning a championship were a failure.

In response, James reposted that reel on his Instagram stories. The Lakers star captioned the reel with, “Wonderful wisdom here by him!” He also added that “Failure only exists when you refuse to try.”

LeBron posted Giannis to his Instagram Story after he got traded to Miami pic.twitter.com/2itfVXK2bC

— Bronupdates (@Bronupdates) June 24, 2026

Unlike Jordan, Antetokounmpo doesn’t have multiple championships. However, he’s been a successful NBA superstar, leading the Bucks to a championship in 2021 and being one of only three players to win both MVP and DPOY in the same year. However, due to discontent over the Bucks’ struggles in the last few years, Antetokounmpo requested a trade.

It’s easy to see why James shares the same sentiments as Antetokounmpo. Like Jordan, the Lakers star was long defined by his failure to win a championship for multiple years. His losing Finals record was thrown at him constantly as criticism. It makes sense that James empathizes with Antetokounmpo and his thoughts.

James and the Lakers at least don’t have to worry about the new-look Heat too much, given that they’re in opposite conferences. Had the Bucks traded the former MVP to the Minnesota Timberwolves, though, it might have been a problem for the team.

There are also rumors that James, who was once a member of the Heat, might join Antetokounmpo in South Beach. While it’s a “long shot,” according to insiders, that thought is something that Lakers fans need to keep in mind as the season progresses.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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