Craig Carton demands lifetime ban while LeBron James faces backlash for pro-Israel remarks.
A political storm overshadowed the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles after filmmaker Spike Lee appeared courtside wearing a bag adorned with a Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) flag.
The moment coincided with a historic achievement by Deni Avdija, the Portland Trail Blazers forward who became the first Israeli-born player to participate in the prestigious All-Star Game.
WFAN radio host Craig Carton blasted Lee on air, calling for him to be banned from NBA arenas.
“The player’s not political, the player’s just playing basketball. There’s no place for this,” Carton said, arguing the display detracted from Avdija’s milestone moment.
Critics accused Lee of injecting divisive politics into a celebratory sporting event, particularly during what many viewed as a proud achievement for Israeli basketball.
Carton also criticized the NBA for permitting the display, suggesting the league should prevent political demonstrations that target players’ national backgrounds.
Lee has not publicly addressed the controversy.
LeBron James Draws Social Media Backlash
The debate intensified when LeBron James, speaking during media availability, praised Avdija’s performance and expressed interest in visiting Israel in the future.
“I hope someday I could make it over there,” James said, noting he had heard positive things about the country.
His remarks prompted criticism online, including from commentator Mehdi Hasan, who posted disapproval on social media. Some activists argued that praising Israel amid ongoing regional conflict was inappropriate.
James has not responded to the backlash.
Wider Cultural Tensions
The incident reflects broader tensions surrounding Middle East politics in international sports arenas. As athletes and celebrities navigate global conflicts, leagues continue grappling with how to balance freedom of expression with maintaining focus on the game.
For Avdija, the All-Star appearance marked a career milestone — but the surrounding controversy ensured the spotlight extended well beyond basketball.
