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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

NBA icon LeBron James revealed that fans yelling things to him at live games about sports betting is a new negative experience. James recently witnessed his historic streak of scoring 10+ points each game ending this season where he finally finished with just 8 points.

James said the following on Unfiltered about how sports betting negatively impacted that experience:

“I hope it ends at some point. I’m sick of people talking about it in the stands. Like, even today, a guy was like, “C’mon, man, you only got six points! You got to keep the streak! You’re going to mess my parlay up!” I’m like, “The f—, bro.” Like, that’s the last thing I want to f—ing hear.

I’m just playing ball. It’s not like I’m hunting. I f—ing took 10 shots tonight. So, it’s not like I’m f—ing hunting for it. It’s not like I’m out there shooting 15, 20 shots just to get 10 points. So, all streaks are I guess meant to end or meant to be broken. One of the two. We’ll see.”

LeBron revealed that fans in the stands were yelling things at him about their betting parlays. Many other NBA stars have shared similar stories about fans getting disrespectful due to betting on their individual stats and losing money.

Why LeBron’s Streak Ending Impacted Sports Betting

James had 1,297 consecutive games with the double-digit point performances until the streak ended this season against the Toronto Raptors. The end of that game actually had a massive moment that showed LeBron’s unselfish playing style on full display.

A tied game saw the Los Angeles Lakers with a chance to win it late and James running the offense. LeBron could have easily attempted a tough shot to try to keep the streak alive, but he passed to Rui Hachimura who hit the game-winning three-pointer.

Many betters likely had the 10+ points bet for James since fans can now make live bets. Sports fans are aware of LeBron’s streak and likely placed bets on him to get the double digits. Many were upset when James didn’t try to score and hit the point total with the game on the line.

LeBron Can’t Throw Stones At Glass Houses

LeBron’s criticism of sports betting influencing fans to yell things at players at live games holds a little less significance when looking at his sponsorship deals. Draft Kings signed James to a multi-year deal and often has suggested bets inspired by him during the NFL season.

Other NBA superstars like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have also made huge money by getting involved in gambling sponsorships. NBA players have benefited from the massive money being offered from sports gambling companies and prediction markets.

It only makes sense that the NBA does the same, but it becomes a slippery slope for everyone involved. LeBron referenced how fans attending games now watch with a different perspective than wanting to see a well-played game. Fans have been rude in person to James for his betting losses impacting them, and it’s going to get worse with more gambling deals growing.