Known in Algonquian as ‘the good land,’ Milwaukee is said to particularly beautiful in autumn, when the maple trees lining Lake Michigan burst into an array of vibrant fall colors. And thanks to the city’s German influence, there’s still some lingering Octoberfest excitement throughout the month, so be sure to leave some room for beer and pretzels.
Just don’t bother inviting Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who is clearly displeased to be visiting Wisconsin‘s largest city for a preseason game with the Milwaukee Bucks.
‘Can someone please explain to me why we’re getting on a [plane emoji] and heading to Milwaukee for 1 pre-season game!?!?’ James asked on X, where he was quickly lampooned for his question.
Several responders took the ‘shut up and dribble’ approach, reminding the soon-to-be 40-year-old James that he’s getting paid $48 million this season, so he probably shouldn’t complain about Thursday’s exhibition.
‘Because they are paying you $50,000,000 to play basketball,’ wrote one fan on X in a post that would be echoed countless more times.
James is clearly displeased to be visiting Wisconsin’s largest city for a preseason game
LeBron James is seen using his cell phone before a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena
Others drew laughs with some flippant responses.
‘Hey LeBron, it’s greg,’ wrote one popular X user. ‘The reason for this is because if you were to drive there it would take over 29 hours so I’m guessing your coaches thought it would be more efficient to fly. Hope this helps.’
Another wondered if James was ‘getting too old for this unnecessary traveling.’
But perhaps the most relevant response came from The Athletic’s John Hollinger, who reminded James that the decision to travel halfway across a continent was made by the Lakers and not the NBA.
‘Almost certainly because his own team’s staff agreed to schedule it, probably two or three years ago,’ Hollinger wrote on X.
Hollinger is right. While the NBA regular-season schedule is formed by the league office, the preseason schedule is a free for all. Sometimes the NBA might arrange for teams to play abroad in an effort to promote the league, such as the recent two-game set between the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics in Abu Dhabi.
LeBron James, left, and Bronny James warm up before a preseason NBA basketball game
And in the case of the Lakers, the team’s self-made schedule calls for six games in five arenas this preseason to allow for renovations at LA’s Crypto.com Arena.
Finally, in what is sure to be a theme for the 2024-25 season, many others made jokes about James’ son and teammate, second-round pick Bronny James.
‘I think he’s just worried about Bronny getting fussy if he doesn’t get enough sleep,’ one fan joked.
Another suggested the Lakers needed to fly to Milwaukee because ‘Bronny needs the practice.
The younger James has been a non-factor through two preseason games, recording two points on 1-of-7 shooting as the Lakers have been outscored by 28 points in the 29 minutes he’s been on the floor.
