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LeBron James Makes Unexpected Appearance Amid Lakers Drama

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 1:20 PM ET

LeBron James recently picked up his $52.6 million player option to play his 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the move has only fueled questions about James’ relationship with the franchise and his willingness to continue playing in Los Angeles or whether he is considering retirement.

The 21-time All-Star has also notably been silent and declined to speak on the situation. When ESPN’s Dave McMenamin approached him during Summer League and asked if he had anything to say about the team’s offseason activity or his role going forward, James gave a curt response and said he had nothing to talk about, amplifying the uncertainties about how he feels about the franchise's direction and his long-term place in Los Angeles.

Amid all the drama, James made headlines in the entertainment world on Monday, appearing on Tyler, the Creator’s new music video for the single “STOP PLAYING WITH ME.” The visual also features surprise cameos from James’ long-time friend and business partner Maverick Carter and hip-hop duo Clipse.

Shortly after the video was released, James reacted to his appearance with a comment on X: “STOP [expletive] PLAYING WITH ME!!!! ”

STOP FKN PLAYING WITH ME!!!! https://t.co/h1REzqhrss
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 21, 2025

While his feature caught fans off guard, it’s not the first time James has appeared in Hip-Hop music videos over the years. In 2009, he appeared in the music video for “Forever ,” the high-profile track by Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem, featuring an opening cameo of him in a Maybach playing poker. He also joined Nas, former Lakers teammate Russell Westbrook, Blxst, YBN Cordae, and Hit-Boy in the star-studded “ Brunch on Sundays” video released in 2021.

With training camp resuming, it remains to be seen if James would finally put the rumors to bed or remain silent on the chatter around his future. Till then, the NBA world will continue to monitor activities on and off the court.

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

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