Coaches counter LeBron James, defend Memphis culture after relocation remark
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MEMPHIS, Tenn., Apr. 3, 2026 — Two NBA head coaches on Friday rejected recent comments by Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James suggesting the Memphis Grizzlies relocate 200 miles east to Nashville.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo and Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic both said their experiences in the city bear little resemblance to the picture painted by James during a “Bob Does Sports” YouTube appearance earlier in the week.
In the video, James criticized Memphis’ entertainment options for visiting players and said he might have refused to play there had the Grizzlies held the first pick in the 2003 draft. He added that Nashville, home to Vanderbilt University, NASCAR events and the NHL’s Predators, would be a better fit for the franchise.
“I have the complete opposite — a 180-degree perspective on that,” Iisalo said before the Grizzlies’ home game Friday night. “The Memphis we arrived to less than two years ago has been very warm, very welcoming.”
Rajakovic, who spent time as a Grizzlies assistant before becoming Toronto’s head coach, echoed the sentiment after the Raptors landed in town Thursday. “I don’t care what the rest of the world thinks. I love the people of Memphis. I love the food. I love every single time I come over here,” he said.
The Raptors used part of their off-day to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats pediatric cancer patients at no cost to families. Rajakovic called the visit “inspiring” and said his players thanked him for arranging the trip.
Iisalo, in his second season with the organization and first as head coach, praised the city’s passion for basketball. “All I can say is Memphis is the right place for the Grizzlies,” he said.
Source: ESPN
