Fresh off a post-workout session, LeBron James couldn’t hold back when he spotted reporter Mike Trudell wearing a Manchester United jacket. He looked straight at the crest and said, “That is a horrible jacket, by the way,” before adding, “Oh my god, that is a horrible jacket!” The playful exchange, shared on social media, quickly went viral. It wasn’t surprising, given James’s well-known stake in Liverpool, the Red Devils’ Premier League rival.
James has owned a slice of Liverpool since 2011. That initial $6.5 million investment earned him a 2% stake in the club. Over time, it turned into a 1% share of Fenway Sports Group, which controls not only Liverpool but other teams across different sports. He’s often seen wearing Liverpool kits and collaborating on limited-edition sportswear celebrating both basketball and soccer achievements.
Those close to the Lakers say the banter was all in good fun. Trudell, who covers the team, laughed off the moment, though he admitted he knew what he was getting into. Some fans noted that, for James, it was an easy opportunity to remind everyone where his allegiances lie. He’s embraced Liverpool on social media and in interviews, telling reporters he’s proud of the club’s storied history.
Examining Lebron’s Man United diss
Manchester United and Liverpool, two of England‘s most successful clubs, have a rivalry that spans generations. For James, it’s a cultural line he crosses with a grin whenever someone in Manchester colors gets too close. He might be best known for his four NBA championships and record-breaking scoring totals, but his off-court interests often spark attention, too.
Even after a tough loss to the Chicago Bulls, in which the Lakers gave up a late lead, James kept the mood light. Reflecting on that defeat, he told reporters, “We put ourselves in a position to win, horrible turnover by myself. That means miscommunication.” Yet he seemed more than happy to divert some of that post-game frustration by poking fun at Trudell’s jacket.
James’s partnership with Liverpool has also benefited the club’s global footprint. Liverpool supporters see him as a respected ambassador who brings the team’s image into NBA arenas and beyond. Online sales tend to get a boost whenever he’s wearing the Reds’ crest. His unique place in sports culture continues to grow, bridging two passionate fan bases in unpredictable ways.
For Trudell, the next interview might call for some neutral attire or at least an awareness that LeBron’s sense of humor—and devotion to Liverpool—can show up at any moment. As the NBA season hits its critical stretch, James still finds time to remind everyone that sports loyalties run deep and can surface at the simplest sight of a rival team’s emblem.
