LeBron James Reacts to 'Overblown' Memphis Comments, 'I Don't Like Going There'

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said during an interview with Sean Gregory of Time Magazine that his previous comments regarding Memphis were "overblown."

"Everything I say and do is overblown," James told Gregory. "I don't have a problem with Memphis people. People need to know that. I have a problem with that hotel, and I don't like going there."

Back in early April, James named Memphis as an NBA city he's not fond of visiting during an appearance with the Bob Does Sports crew.

"Staying at the f‑‑‑ing Hyatt at 41 years old? You think I wanna do that s‑‑t? Being in Memphis on a f‑‑‑ing random-ass Thursday?" James asked rhetorically as he laughed (h/t Andscape's Justin Tinsley). "I'm not the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA. We're all like, 'You guys have to move. Just go over to Nashville.' You got Vanderbilt over there. You got the f‑‑‑ing NASCAR. It's got everything."

James had a chance to land with the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2003 NBA draft. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers ultimately landed the top spot in the draft and selected James, while Memphis ended up at No. 2, with that pick ultimately being shipped to the Detroit Pistons.

The four-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA champion spoke about that possibility during his interview with Bob Does Sports: "Their only chance [to get me on their team] was in 2003 if they would've won the lottery. And I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not showed up."

James received criticism for his comments initially and responded to backlash a few days later, per The Athletic's Law Murray.

Should James return for a 24th NBA season, the reception he receives on the road at FedEx Forum is sure to generate plenty of headlines.