LeBron James is certainly one of the most influential figures in the world of sports. Over the years, he has partaken in a couple of programs to promote human rights and equality. He recognizes that has a massive platform that he needs to utilize for the betterment of society. The NBA star has always stood up for what is right. And he often uses his social media to voice his opinions over socio-political issues.
LeBron James spotted in Saudi Arabia weeks after joking he would play there 👀😳 pic.twitter.com/LLmHaiIB1r
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) September 6, 2023
Recently, the 4x NBA Champion paid a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. James was seen visiting various places to promote sports in Saudi. The country is slowly making an emergence in the sports industry and plans on expanding its empire soon. However, James’ visit wasn’t appreciated by Hatice Cengiz, fiancée of a slain journalist named Jamal Khashoggi.
According to Radar Online, she said, “Another disappointing development. It is important to remember that athletes are not just athletes. They have a lot of fans following them. It is very sad to see that these people forget that they are also morally exemplary while making their choices.” Cengiz’s argument was over LeBron James being unaware of the things that are happening in the country. However, it wasn’t just James whom she called out, but other athletes as well.
Will LeBron James leave the Lakers?
Based on his recent visit to Riyadh, fans have speculated that LeBron James might be giving in to the trend of accepting lucrative contracts from Saudi Arabian sports organizations. But it isn’t an unknown fact that Saudi Arabia has been offering massive deals to athletes. Cristiano Ronaldo was the first to receive a bombshell of a contract from Al-Nassr. His contract is currently worth $200 million per year.
Shortly after Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after his failed second stint with Manchester United, Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. also made a move to the Middle East. Based on what has been happening, athletes across the world have been expressing their desire to sign lucrative deals in the Middle East. It was previously rumored that the Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden received a $900 million offer from a basketball team in Saudi Arabia.
LeBron James in Saudi Arabia with Maverick Carter, Randy Mims, and Bader bin Farhan Alsaud 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/N9tdSb72N6
— Bronupdates (@Bronupdates) September 6, 2023
Fans also began to speculate that LeBron James received a $1 billion offer to move to Saudi. But based on a few giveaways in videos and pictures being circulated online, James’ visit was for the “Visit Saudi” program. Neither James nor any basketball organization in Saudi has confirmed a transfer. The Los Angeles Lakers star will be looking forward to competing in the NBA for the foreseeable future.
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