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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was met with criticism from former MS NOW host Mehdi Hasan on Sunday after he was asked if he had a message for fans back in Israel.
James held a separate press conference before playing in his 22nd All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. He was asked, “To all the Israeli fans, what message would you like to send to Israel and what do you think about (Portland Trail Blazers All-Star) Deni Avdija.
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Team USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026. (Jayne Kamin/Oncea-Imagn Images)
“I’ve already been quoted on Deni and what I thought about his season, and I believe he’s an All-Star, and he’s an All-Star. He plays exceptional basketball, so that’s it. And then, if I had fans over there, I’ve never been there,” James said.
“If I have fans over there, I hope you’ve followed my career, I hope I inspire people over there to not only want to be great at sports, but to be better in general in life. So hopefully one day I could make it over there. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I’ve heard great things. I appreciate the question.”
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Mehdi Hasan speaks on stage during Crooked Media – Lovett or Leave It: Live on Tour, April 25, 2024 in Washington, DC (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Crooked Media)
Hasan, who had a history of controversial statements about Israel, weighed in.
“What a disgrace LeBron is,” he wrote on X.
Hasan previously faced backlash for his harsh attacks on Israel after Hamas terrorists launched a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, taking hundreds of hostages. The terrorist attack triggered a massive response from Israel, which later led to a cease-fire agreement.
Avdija was an All-Star for the first time in his career and is the only active NBA player from Israel. He is one of four to play in the NBA from the nation, along with Omri Casspi, TJ Leaf and Gal Mekel.
USA Stripes forward LeBron James (23) answers questions before the NBA All-Star basketball game Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Avdija played a total of 15 minutes between the two games the World All-Stars played in the new format. The World All-Stars lost both games.
