LeBron James is the ‘Dictator of the NBA,’ Claims Enes Kanter Freedom

LeBron James is undoubtedly the biggest name in the NBA. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the number one pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, James entered the league straight out of high school.

At 18, he carried immense hype and noise. Despite all the expectations, not only has he surpassed them, but he has carried the league on his shoulders both on and off the court for nearly two decades.

After an impressive 23rd season, James will play his 24th in the NBA. He is entering a new chapter in his career after signing with the Philadelphia 76ers to a two-year deal this summer.

While James has largely stayed away from controversy and maintained a strong image throughout his illustrious career, he is often criticized for misusing his power. He may be at the back end of his career, but he continues to be the face of the league to this day.

One player who has been critical of James in the past is Enes Kanter Freedom. The two have been at odds multiple times on and off the court. During his recent appearance on “Curious Mike”, Freedom spoke about his beef with the King.

I call him the ‘Dictator of the NBA’. My whole thing started with him attacking Frank. I was with the Knicks and we drafted Frank Ntilikina. He’s a rookie and he’s trying to adjust a big city. Lebron comes out and says ‘If I was the Knicks, I would draft Dennis Smith.’ The next day, I walked in the locker and I saw his face and he was all down. I don’t respect him for what he did.

Enes Kanter Freedom on Curious Mike

Enes Kanter goes OFF on Lebron James for his HYPOCRISY when it comes to his Nike partnership, despite them having sweatshops in China, and for bullying his ex-Knicks teammate Frank Ntilikina, revealing that he calls Lebron the ‘Dictator of the NBA’ 😳👀 “I call him the ‘Dictator of the NBA’… He’s a rookie and he’s trying to adjust a big city and a big spotlight. Lebron comes out and says ‘If I was the Knicks, I would draft Dennis Smith.’ The next day, I walked in the locker and I saw his face and he was all down… I don’t respect him for what he did… Your signed with Nike, they have the biggest SWEATSHOPS in China. When people ask you about things that happen in America, you’re the face, but when people ask you about your shoes, T-shirts, & everything you wear being made by slave labors, you say ‘I’m not educated enough about the situation.’”

— Slime🐍 (@ItsKingSlime) October 19, 2026

According to Enes Kanter Freedom, it all began in 2017 when he was playing for the New York Knicks. Frank Ntilikina was drafted by the Knicks as the eighth pick that year. However, James believed that the Knicks should have picked Dennis Smith Jr. instead, which affected Ntilikina’s confidence. Since then, Freedom has not been on good terms with the King.

Freedom called out LeBron James for his hypocrisy when it comes to his Nike partnership

It is well known that James has a strong, positive relationship with Nike. They have been together even before he entered the league 23 years ago. Their relationship is so strong that James stays away from rival brands such as Adidas as much as he can.

The four-time champion has a lifetime contract with the sports brand. However, Freedom has been critical of James’ partnership with Nike, as he never calls out the brand for their exploitation of workers in China.

You are signed with Nike, they have the biggest sweatshops in China. When people ask you about things that happen in America, you’re the face, but when people ask you about your shoes, T-shirts, & everything you wear being made by slave labors, you say ‘I’m not educated enough about the situation’.

Enes Kanter Freedom on Curious Mike

Many praise James for giving back to his community and for being vocal about various social issues in the United States. However, Freedom called out his hypocrisy, as Nike is known for the exploitation of its workers, and James continues to remain silent regarding it.

LeBron James would get a bonus from Nike if he was drafted by the Knicks

There is no doubt that LeBron James is one of the, if not the, greatest players in NBA history. His accomplishments and accolades are second to none, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

When James joined the Cavs in 2003, he transformed the franchise both on and off the court. He brought relevance to the organization, and their finances skyrocketed. Hence, one wonders what could have happened if a player like James joined the New York Knicks in 2003.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed that Nike would have given him a 20 or 30% bonus if he was picked by the Knicks.

There was this dream, and in fact, it was kind of LeBron‘s dream too. Literally the night before he agreed to his Nike contract, in his Nike contract he got a 20 or 30% bonus if he got drafted to the Knicks. They agreed to that the night before the Lottery. And when the envelope opened and showed the Knicks at number nine, there was an audible in the room.

Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective

It was LeBron James dream to get drafted by the Knicks, per @WindhorstESPN “There was this dream, and in fact, it was kind of LeBron‘s dream too. Literally the night before he agreed to his Nike contract, in his Nike contract he got a 20 or 30% bonus if he got drafted to the Knicks. They agreed to that the night before the Lottery. That’s why it was so important to get it done before the lottery. And when the envelope opened and showed the Knicks at number nine, there was an audible in the room because people wanted LeBron to go to the Knicks.” (h/t @SportsWithJay0)

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 19, 2026

The 41-year-old was close to joining the Knicks this summer but pulled out of it after they won the championship this year. Unfortunately for James and the Knicks, it looks like he will never be donning their jersey.

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