LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

LeBron James Embraces His 'Villain' Role With Chilling Explanation

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 12:21 AM ET

At this point in his career, it looks like LeBron James has nothing left to prove on the basketball court. He’s done it all, literally. He’s won four titles, multiple Olympic gold medals, and has scored more than anybody throughout the league’s history.

While LBJ’s future in a Lakers uniform is in serious peril, he’s still nearly at the top of his game at 41 years old. Surely enough, he’s embraced every role on the court imaginable. However, despite being labeled as a hero for most of his career, James has recently stated that he loves playing as a villain whenever he plays in opponents’ arenas.

“We’re entertainers as well. We grew up watching wrestling, watching movies, watching a guy beat a hero or beat a villain. As much as Batman is my favorite superhero of all time, I also love the Joker’s role… There’s nothing better than quieting and silencing the road crowd,” LeBron James said in the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast.

LeBron says he loves playing the villain:

“We’re entertainers as well. We grew up watching wrestling, watching movies, watching a guy beat a hero or beat a villain. As much as Batman is my favorite superhero of all-time, I also love the Joker’s role… There’s nothing better than… pic.twitter.com/NDp8cqKuM2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 3, 2026

There’s no doubt that he’s a competitor. He wouldn’t score that much if he tried to please every fan who is in attendance, opponents or not. He earned their respect by balling out. That’s why wherever he goes, lots of fans are sporting LeBron James jerseys.

LeBron James Still Believes In The Lakers

LeBron James (Image Credits: Imagn)

Despite their hot start to the season, the Lakers have cooled off a bit over the past couple of months. Due to their struggles, they are barely hanging onto their top-six spot in the crowded West. Whether LeBron James sticks with LA after this season or not, he still believes in this group’s chances this year.

“I like this group. But we gotta continue to get better. And that’s good. We should want to get better, it’s only Feb. 1. But we’re gonna continue to get better and better. It’s a tough Western Conference, it’s a tough league, and like I said, it’s been tough all season dealing with injuries and guys in and guys out,” James said.

Truth be told, many aren’t sold on LA’s title chances this season despite having Luka, LeBron, and Austin. Their bench needs improvement.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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