Sports

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rips LeBron James over ‘childish’ celebration: ‘GOATs don’t dance’

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was no fan of LeBron James’ flamboyant celebration last week when the NBA superstar helped the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Indiana Pacers.

It was one of James’ last games before he was put into the NBA’s health and safety protocols because of a positive coronavirus test. James would later have subsequent negative tests that allowed him to return to the team.

When James hit the shot against the Pacers, he imitated Sam Cassell’s “big balls” dance. Abdul-Jabbar said someone like James shouldn’t be doing those kinds of celebrations.

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (6) in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers.
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James (6) in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers. AP

“For me, winning is enough. Why do you need to do a stupid, childish dance and disrespect the other team on the court? It doesn’t make sense. GOATs don’t dance,” the Basketball Hall of Famer said in a SubStack commentary video on Wednesday.

James earned a $15,000 fine.

The Lakers have struggled this season with a group of veteran players who still have to get used to each other’s style of play. It also didn’t help that James missed a few games due to injury.

Los Angeles is 12-12 and are sitting in the No. 6 slot in the Western Conference just ahead of the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Portland Trail Blazers.

The Lakers are 4-6 in their last 10 games.

Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar criticized LeBron James' antics that landed him a $15,000 fine.
Former NBA player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar criticized LeBron James’ antics that landed him a $15,000 fine. AP