There’s no denying that LeBron James is among the greatest players in the history of the NBA.
However, it’s fair to say that LeBron has developed a reputation for complaining about calls with which he disagrees, as well as complaining about referees after games. There are even compilation videos of James complaining to refs because it happens so often.
ESPN’s Jay Bilas didn’t get the memo on any of that.
Bilas is making his NBA playoff broadcasting debut this weekend, calling the NBA Playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves alongside Mark Jones and Jorge Sedano.
The Lakers had a particularly rough performance in Game 1 Saturday evening, losing 117-95 at home to open the series. It was a frustrating evening for James and his squad, and his frustrations boiled over late when he didn’t get a call on a three-point shot when he felt he’d been fouled. After play stopped a few seconds later, LeBron went directly to a referee to plead his case, leading to an exchange in which Bilas gave James credit for something he probably doesn’t deserve credit for.
“He’s NOT a complainer”
The commentator on LeBron 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/kOx2KEgRDD
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) April 20, 2025
“LeBron James thought he got hit on that jump shot, and I think he did,” said Bilas.
“You can see the tangible frustration etched on the faces of both he and [Luka] Dončić tonight,” added Jones.
“And he’s not a complainer,” added Bilas.
That is not a descriptor that many NBA watchers would associate with James, even among his fans. Naturally, social media had a field day with the comment.
“He’s not a complainer,” the broadcaster said about LeBron. pic.twitter.com/fQeuToc1vG
— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) April 20, 2025
“He’s not a complainer.” @JayBilas on LeBron pic.twitter.com/9OimpLg4KN
— Marcus Wiegert (@coachwiegs) April 20, 2025
Did the announcer just say “he’s not a complainer” regarding LeBron James
— Brenden Schaeffer🎳 (@bschaeffer12) April 20, 2025
The ABC crew actually said “he’s not a complainer” about LeBron James. Should be a #1 seed in next year’s PST, @BrandonMileski.
— John Kriesel (@johnkriesel) April 20, 2025
Jay Bilas just said “he’s not a complainer”… about LeBron James??!?!
Has Jay ever watched LeBron play before?
What an absolutely bizarre comment 😂
— Lachlan McLean 📺 (@LachTalk) April 20, 2025
Even Seth Greenberg must be in awe of Bilas’s water-carrying on that call.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.