Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, once again aimed at LeBron James, criticizing the NBA star’s excessive flopping, even though he called him a “great player.” His remarks come amid growing speculation linking the Golden State Warriors with a potential move for the NBA superstar this offseason. He also firmly dismissed a fan’s comparison between the four-time NBA champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.
Brad Gilbert Calls Out LeBron James’ “Constant Flopping” While Dismissing Novak Djokovic Comparisons
Recently, renowned sports writer Tim Kawakami reported that the Golden State Warriors could go all-in to pursue either LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. The offseason is a crucial window (roughly from June to September) when franchises reshape their rosters through the draft and free agency.
However, Gilbert, who is also an avid basketball fan, dismissed this move and showed his discontent towards James’ addition to the Warriors. He found Kawhi Leonard’s development intriguing but stressed the need to prioritize younger, more athletic wings and move on from power forward Draymond Green.
Gilbert has previously been outspoken in his criticism of LeBron James. Last month, he pointed to the four-time champion’s repeated attempts to draw fouls (flopping) after a viral clip showed him appealing mid-play. For context, flopping refers to players exaggerating minimal or nonexistent contact to influence referees into awarding a foul.
A fan pushed back against Brad Gilbert in his thread, questioning his repeated digs at the Los Angeles Lakers star and arguing that they undermine his credibility as an impartial analyst. Gilbert responded, “He’s a great player undoubtedly but can’t stand his constant LaFlopping 5-10: a game forever, and constantly complaining every call ☎️, everything wrong 😑 with the new nba.”
He’s a great player undoubtedly but can’t stand his constant LaFlopping 5-10: a game forever, and constantly complaining every call ☎️, everything wrong 😑 with the new nba
,— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 28, 2026
The fan later countered that such criticism unfairly diminishes James’ greatness and reflects bias, and called him a “bitter Novak Djokovic fan.” However, Gilbert yet again aimed the four-time NBA MVP, calling him “Laflopper” and rejecting his comparison to Djokovic. “can’t compare Laflopper to Djoker,” he wrote.
can’t compare Laflopper to Djoker
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 29, 2026
Both Novak Djokovic and LeBron James have set the benchmark in their respective sports, inspiring a plethora of aspiring athletes. While many believe they are at a career crossroads, both continue to defy expectations and perform at an elite level.
Djokovic continues to map out his future with clear intent, targeting a historic 25th Grand Slam title while also focusing on initiatives around wellness and mental health, alongside prioritizing his role and ambitions as a father.
