In August 2020, LeBron James addressed the media at what looked like a typical press conference. But this time, there was a slight difference: the Los Angeles Lakers star had a book with him — "The Autobiography of Malcolm X."
Naturally, this caught the attention of reporter Taylor Rooks, who asked Bron about his biggest takeaway from the book. However, what seemed like it would be a simple chat about literature quickly turned into a viral moment online. This was due to the NBA icon seeming a bit confused in his response, which social media quickly jumped on.
"I kinda just started a couple days ago. I've read a lot of notes over the years. It's my first time actually reading it start to finish. Just a smart man, a very, very smart man," James replied to Rooks.
Social media quickly exploded with comments regarding comments and reading habits of the Ohio native. Reddit and X (then Twitter) showed no mercy toward LBJ.,
On the latter platform, some notable comments included lines like, "Made you look like an unprepared high school kid giving a presentation," "This is quality cringe," and "Holding a book trying to seem woke, asked the simplest question and stammers and stutters for two minutes."
X was full of personal takes on "King James'" reading habits.
Typical Lebron trying so damn hard to be seen in a certain light rather than letting it naturally and organically happen.. Smh.. yeah dude is a top 3 hooper all time but idc this dudes a corn ball!
— ✨STEELER GANG WESTCOAST✨ TJ WATT CLEARS (@SteelerGangWest) August 21, 2020
Mans loves reading the first page of every book
— Donny Womack Sr. (@imalexdamian) August 21, 2020
Several factors fueled this banter. First, the online community can be harsh. Second, everything a superstar like James says — or doesn't say — is closely scrutinized. "The Chosen One" has faced this since high school, with critics, especially in the anonymous online world, quick to pounce on any misstep.
The third reason relates to the significance of the book co-written by Malcolm X and author Alex Haley.
Released in 1965, the autobiography details Malcolm X's transformation from a prison inmate to an influential civil rights leader. It candidly explores themes of race, identity, and resilience, inspiring activism and self-discovery. Today, it is widely regarded as essential reading and one of the greatest autobiographies ever written.
Given its importance, some were understandably irritated when Bron shared his thoughts on the book. However, many overlooked the superstar's comments that came after his somewhat shaky start.
"His words in the 60s and what was going and is actually what's going on today still. Him understanding how powerful the negro can be. How powerful we are if we unite, be together, stand strong cause there is always going to be obstacles. Things are going to be thrown at us to weaken us," the 20-time All-Star added.
While some still questioned whether "King James" had actually read the book, a comment by a Reddit user summed things up quite well. It read, "Who the f**k brings a book to a press conference, lmao."
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