LeBron James is no stranger to the spotlight. However, the past few weeks have seen the NBA superstar find drama in unexpected corners.
Now, thanks to former UFC champion Colby Covington’s sharp words addressing the rumors surrounding the athlete’s alleged connection to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ controversial past, the story goes beyond LeBron’s court is attracting headlines even as his on-court performance declines .
Caption by Colby Covington
Colby Covington, the polarizing UFC interim welterweight champion, made waves this week when he targeted James during a pre-fight media scrum.
Covington accused the Los Angeles Lakers veteran of attending Diddy-related parties – events that were controversial due to alleged debauchery and ongoing legal implications.
“What did he mean when he said ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’?” Covington asked reporters, referring to comments James made during an Instagram Live session with Combs in 2020. “How many Diddy parties have you been to, LeBron? Is that why you left social media? How pathetic.”
Colby Covington started the media day by going OFF on LeBron 😭
“I want to ask LeBron, what does he mean when he says ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’?…
LeBron, you are scum and I hope you end up in the same cell as Diddy.
🎥 @MMAFingpic.twitter.com/Foxrclsh7z
– Championship Round (@ChampRDS) December 11, 2024
While Covington’s comments seemed calculated to stir up controversy ahead of his UFC Tampa fight, they sparked a firestorm surrounding James’ alleged connection to Combs. So far, LeBron has remained silent on the matter, as MMA Knockout On SI reported.
Diddy’s allegations
Diddy, the hip-hop mogul and businessman, is currently facing federal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering. Multiple individuals have alleged abuse at his infamous “Freak-Off” parties – events that allegedly took place after large industry gatherings. Although Diddy pleaded not guilty, the accusations cast a shadow over his legacy.
For his part, James was not involved in any of the crimes that Diddy is accused of. However, the resurfacing of his 2020 comments about Diddy’s parties and a recent horrific incident at an NFL game have kept the association alive in the public consciousness. In the match Rams vs. Eagles last month, a fan confronted James and yelled, “We know you went to the Diddy party!” James, visibly annoyed, ignored the taunt.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his hands on his head while playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Minneapolis’ Target Center on December 2, 2024. David Berding/Getty Images
Personal struggles amid the chaos of the NBA
The timing of these off-court controversies couldn’t be worse for James, who recently left the Los Angeles Lakers for “personal reasons.” After missing the first game of the season – a rarity for the 39-year-old – James’ absence comes amid the lackluster performance of his career.
James has gone 0-for-20 from behind the arc in his last few games, and his -8.4 net rating is the worst among all Lakers starters. With trade rumors swirling and speculation about his longevity increasing, James appears to be facing increasing pressure.
According to ESPN, Lakers coach JJ Redick publicly supported James’ decision to step down, saying: “If someone wants to spend a few nights in Santa Barbara and relax, that’s fine.”
Tags LeBron James, Diddy