NBA fans have ruthlessly ripped into LeBron James and urged him to retire after a disastrous outing against his former side, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Friday night.
James, 41, was making his first trip to Cleveland since joining the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this summer for an NBA Cup group stage clash at the Rocket Arena.
However, it wasn’t the homecoming that the ‘King James’ would have hoped for.
The 76ers were dealt only their second loss of the 2026 season at the hands of the Cavaliers, who cruised to a 119-95 victory on the night.
On a personal note, the veteran star notably struggled throughout the game, putting up just eight points – shooting 3-of-12 from the field – along with seven rebounds, three assists and six turnovers.
It marked just the 11th game of his illustrious career, across 1,630 games, in which he has produced fewer than 10 points on the floor.
NBA fans labelled LeBron James an ’embarrassment’ after his performance on Friday night
The NBA veteran managed just eight points in 32 minutes during his return to Cleveland
It didn’t take long for social media users to weigh in on his nightmare showing, with some ruthlessly telling him to walk away from the sport.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: ‘Dead serious. No disrespect to the GOAT but what I’ve seen tonight from LeBron is embarrassing.’
Similarly, another said: ‘Get LeBron off the court this is so embarrassing.’
In a brutal take, one fan wrote: ‘Is LeBron the biggest con artist in the NBA? This is an embarrassing return to Cleveland where he calls himself the King.
‘Retire already – it is laughable how people think he comes close to MJ. Too busy doing TikTok dances on the sideline. Sad.’
Another said: ‘LeBron having a disasterclass in Cleveland – that’s genuinely embarrassing bro’.
The 41-year-old initially received a warm reception from the Cleveland crowd in his first game for the Sixers, however, the mood soured as the game went on.
It eventually reached the point where, whenever James was in possession on offense, boos rained down from the stands.
NBA fans pulled no punches as they weighed in on the 41-year-old’s performance on Friday
Reacting to the atmosphere, one X user said: ‘Am I seriously hearing Cavs fans at home booing LeBron James? Hilariously terrible fanbase. Imagine the Bulls booing Michael Jordan. So embarrassing.’
Another said: ‘LeBron received a very warm ovation when the starters were introduced but he’s been getting booed every time he touches the basketball so far tonight.’
Prior to the game, it was generally considered that James had made a strong start to life in Philadelphia, helping them accrue eight wins in their first nine games.
The 41-year-old, who is playing in what is widely expected to be his final season, had averaged 15.7 points per game, 7.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists prior to the trip.
