Ex-Thunder big puts LeBron James on blast, calls him 'dictator of the NBA'

Former OKC Thunder big man and current activist Enes Kanter Freedom has frequently and unabashedly made his feelings about the NBA and its members well-known since he last suited up for an organization back in 2022.

From criticizing the league's partnership with China to voicing his disapproval over the association's power structure, the third overall pick in the 2011 draft has not shied away from making his thoughts and feelings heard over the years.

However, perhaps the most public and long-standing issue he's had since entering the league has been his feud and presumed disdain for current Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James.

With examples of tension between the two dating as far back as 2017 when they had a face-to-face altercation during a Nov. 13 showdown while Freedom was with the Knicks and James was with Cleveland, recently the ex-Thunder center added more fuel to the fiery rivalry during an interview with Dan Dakich of Outkick, as he blasted the four-time champion as being both a poor teammate and, more notably, the almighty decision-maker not just of the Lakers but of the association as a whole.

Ex-Thunder big Enes Kanter Freedom slams Lakers star LeBron James

"I actually had a conversation with many of the other players in the NBA and everybody knows that Bronny James, he might be a good dude but he's not good enough to play in the NBA. The reason he got drafted is because of LeBron. The reason JJ Redick is the coach is because of LeBron. I'll tell you this, though, no other player wants to go and play with LeBron... They know it's all about LeBron... He's not a good teammate. Obviously, he runs the media pretty much and he tries to control his narrative... My whole life, I'm fighting against dictators, so, when I see a dictator I know it. LeBron is literally like the dictator of the NBA. He controls the media, he controls his narrative, if you go against his agenda you will get traded. Everybody knows it."

- Enes Kanter Freedom

Freedom would go on to highlight Thunder legend and his former teammate out in Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook's tenure with James out in Los Angeles, stating "he was one of the best players in the NBA, he literally got the MVP," but when the Lakers finished their 2021-22 season with a 33-49 record and on the outside looking in on a playoff slot, LeBron "blamed the whole season on Russell Westbrook."

Interestingly enough, these comments came just days before Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was seen seemingly mouthing “I don’t think Bronny is a pro," in reference to LeBron's son, during a Summer League exhibition on July 15.

While this should by no means be viewed as hard evidence to support Freedom's claim that others across the NBA agree with his stance on the superstar forward, as there are examples of players disproving some of these aforementioned proclamations, it's certainly an entertaining coincidence for fans and pundits alike to analyze.