‘We’re Not on Your Payroll’ – NBA Analyst Michael Wilbon Destroys LeBron James for Bashing Negative Media
The relationship between professional athletes and sports media has always been delicate. Sports media members are expected to skillfully maintain an amicable alliance with athletes while also being able to hold zero punches when it comes to criticism. The landscape is an extremely tough and complex environment to navigate.
One recent topic that has led to a few tense exchanges is what current NBA player is destined to be the face of the league once future Hall of Famer LeBron James retires. The consensus is Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is one of the frontrunners for the role. Yet, James believes there’s too much negativity revolving around the title for anyone to willingly claim it.
Why Did Veteran NBA Analyst Michael Wilbon Criticize LeBron James?
As coverage of professional sports grows, naturally there are more debate shows, opinion-based columns, and podcasts. The additional coverage has created more friction points between the pros who play the game and the media that covers the action.
Players feel the added scrutiny has sparked a wave of negativity.
“Ant already said he doesn’t want it. He ain’t trying to deal with that s***,” James said. “I mean, Channing Frye said it the other day, too. Like, I mean, it’s unfortunate, but, like, why do you want to be the face of a league when all the people that you know that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s*** on everybody?”
Michael Wilbon DESTROYS Lebron for complaining about media criticism 🔥🔥
“When you put on a crown on your head theres criticism that comes with that, if he doesnt like the comparisons to MJ too damn bad. Were not on your payroll were not there just to praise YOU” pic.twitter.com/3RXgLebLcK
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) March 2, 2025
“When you put a crown on your head, do you actually believe that the rest of us are just in your kingdom to serve you?” Michael Wilbon asked on Pardon the Interruption. “Sorry. There’s criticism that comes with that. There’s comparison that comes with that.
“Is he referring to the constant comparisons to Michael Jordan? Because if he doesn’t like that, then too damn bad. The comparisons, the constant attention that’s how you get all that money. It doesn’t come from fannies in seats. It comes from attention and eyeballs and viewership…Do you think [the media] is supposed to be there in public relations terms? We’re not on your payroll. We’re not there just to praise you.”
One category the media may be unfairly lumped into is social media. With the advancement of social media, fans have unprecedented access to professional athletes 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, with little to no buffer.
“That’s where a great part of the negativity is,” Wilbon said. “We live in a world that’s largely negative, having nothing to do with sports. That’s the world we live in.”
NBA ratings have declined in recent years, but the sport remains one of the most popular worldwide, driven by James and his play. But the question remains, once James retires, who will be the face of the league?
