For a long time in the NBA, big-market cities like Los Angeles and New York have enjoyed more attention because of their media reach and market size. Smaller markets often don’t get the same spotlight, even if their teams are competitive.
LeBron James has added a fresh twist to this conversation with a bold and unexpected take.
LeBron James Suggests the Memphis Grizzlies Should Relocate
In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel “Bob Does Sports,” James joined the crew for a casual golf session. During the video, the conversation shifted to NBA teams. At that moment, James openly suggested that the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate.
His reasoning mainly pointed to Nashville as a more sports-centered city, one that already hosts a hockey team, the Predators, and is deeply connected to NASCAR culture.
“Staying at the f*g Hyatt at 41 years old? You think I want to do that st being in Memphis on a random a Thursday.”
“I’m not like the first guy even to talk about in the NBA. Like, we all like you guys have to move. Go over to Nashville. You got Vanderbilt over there. You got NASCAR. You got a stadium. Don’t they have a hockey team too?” James said in the video.
LeBron James on the Memphis Grizzlies 💀
“I’m fcking 41 years old, you think I want to do that sht being in Memphis on a random a** Thursday. I’m not like the first guy even to talk about in the NBA. Like, we all like you guys have to move. Go over to Nashville… their only… pic.twitter.com/3z3XnLE69t
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 2, 2026
But James did not stop there, as he also added some extra salt for Grizzlies fans by making it clear that he would have never wanted to play for Memphis. He brought up the 2003 draft, when the Grizzlies had a 6.4% chance of landing him with the first overall pick before the Cleveland Cavaliers won the lottery.
The King stated that if Memphis had actually drafted him back then, he would have done exactly what Eli Manning did when the San Diego Chargers drafted him.
“Their only chance for me to play there was in 2003 if they had won the lottery. And I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not shown up,” James added.
LeBron says he wouldn’t have shown up to Memphis if they had drafted him in 2003
“I might’ve pulled an Eli Manning and not showed up.” 😬
(h/t @CourtsideBuzzX ) pic.twitter.com/ULhgc5Ygfc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 2, 2026
James is not alone in this view. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has been saying something similar for a while. On his podcast, Green called for the Grizzlies to relocate to Nashville, going directly at commissioner Adam Silver.
“Adam, let them just do us all a favor and take the team to Nashville. No harm, no foul, the relocation fee, it’s a swap. Leave that arena, you ain’t got to pay the relocation fee,” Green said on his podcast.
His reason was a bit more personal, though, as he pointed to the lack of proper amenities for visiting players.
“There are no great hotels in Memphis. I love the people of Memphis; they are incredible. Shout out to the people of Memphis; I love them. But just from an NBA standpoint, there’s not a sauna or a hot tub in sight. Nowhere. Not at the gym, not at the spa, not at a hotel, nothing,” Green added on his podcast.
These comments are coming at a time when the NBA could be heading toward major changes. There have been ongoing discussions about expanding the league, with cities like Seattle and Las Vegas among the strongest candidates for new franchises. If expansion happens, it could lead to a reshuffling of conferences.
Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies or the Minnesota Timberwolves might end up moving to the Eastern Conference to balance things out. Ownership bids for new teams are also expected to fall within the $7 billion to $10 billion range. This just shows how serious the league is about growth.
As for James himself, he is playing as the third option for the Los Angeles Lakers and averaging 20.7 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. Alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, he has helped the Lakers reach a 50-26 record and secure a playoff spot.
James’ take is definitely unique. Not many active players speak this openly about relocation, especially involving current teams.
