Broadcaster Craig Carton and actor Michael Rapaport used the debut of Carton's new OutKick show to voice their shared dislike of NBA star LeBron James, who this season joins the Philadelphia 76ers after previously playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. The pair, both committed New York Knicks supporters, will see more of James this year as the 76ers open their season against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Carton said his main objection dates back to 2017, when James's Los Angeles home was vandalised with a racist slur; he accused James of exaggerating his role in the ensuing conversation about race, calling him "dead to me" over it. Rapaport's grievance was more personal, recalling that James declined a photo with his young children, then aged five and seven, despite the two having been friendly since James's rookie year with Cleveland; he said the snub, which he felt was unprovoked, ended his regard for the player. Carton's podcast launched on 8 September and is billed as featuring high-profile guests discussing sport and current events.