LeBron James has raised questions about the legitimacy of the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery, implying that the league may have ensured he landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, James reflected on the moment Cleveland secured the No. 1 pick and suggested it may not have been a coincidence. “Listen man, during the ball drop, during the lottery drop. Cleveland got the No. 1 pick, that’s––I just don’t think that was… What a coincidence, huh?” he said, via WBOY.
James referenced other controversial draft moments in NBA history, including Patrick Ewing going to the New York Knicks in 1985 and Derrick Rose landing with the Chicago Bulls in 2008. “Let’s keep LeBron home,” he added, implying that the NBA had an interest in making him the face of his hometown franchise.
The 2003 draft lottery saw the Cavaliers win the top pick despite having only the third-best odds, surpassing the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies. Cleveland then selected James first overall, launching a career that would redefine the franchise.
While conspiracy theories about draft lotteries have existed for decades, James’ comments reignited speculation about whether the NBA has influenced outcomes for major-market teams and generational talents.
James spent seven seasons with the Cavaliers before leaving for the Miami Heat in 2010. He later returned in 2014, leading Cleveland to its first-ever championship in 2016.
