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El Segundo, CA. September 28, 2021: Lakers LeBron James does an interview during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LeBron James brought NASCAR into a wider sports conversation during a recent appearance on the YouTube show “Bob Does Sports” on April 2, 2026. The four-time NBA champion spoke about the demands of travel late in his career and pointed directly to Memphis as a stop he does not enjoy.
At 41, James questioned the routine of playing in certain cities and used that moment to suggest a different location for the franchise. His comments quickly spread online, not only because of the relocation idea but also because of his direct reference to NASCAR in Nashville, a sport he rarely mentions in public discussions.
LeBron James Calls Out on Memphis Travel and Suggests Nashville Move
During the interview, LeBron James addressed the physical toll of constant travel in the NBA. He spoke openly about his frustration with certain trips on the schedule.
“At 41 years old, you think I want to do that shit? Being in Memphis on a random ass Thursday?” James said during the show.
He then shifted to a possible alternative and suggested moving the Memphis Grizzlies to Nashville. James pointed to the city’s sports and entertainment options as reasons it could support an NBA team.
“You’ve got Vanderbilt over there, and you’ve got the f—king NASCAR. You’ve got a stadium. Don’t they got a hockey team, too? They’ve got everything,” he said.
James also added that even if Memphis had drafted him first overall in 2003, he might not have reported to the team. “I might have pulled an Eli Manning and not shown up,” he said.
NASCAR Presence in Nashville Draws National Attention
The mention of NASCAR during the interview placed focus on the sport’s role in the region. Nashville Superspeedway has been part of the national racing calendar since its return in 2021.
The venue hosts a full race weekend each year, including events from the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series. The 1.33-mile concrete track sits in nearby Lebanon and attracts large crowds during race weekends.
Fans attend races and also take part in activities across Nashville during the same period. The combination of racing and the city’s entertainment scene has made the event a regular stop on the NASCAR schedule.
James’ reference to “the f—king NASCAR” placed the sport alongside other major institutions in the city, including Vanderbilt University and the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
Nashville’s Sports Landscape Continues to Grow
Nashville has developed into a multi-sport market over the years. The city is home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators, while Vanderbilt Commodores compete at the college level.
NASCAR events at Nashville Superspeedway add to that calendar and bring national attention during race weekends. The city also attracts visitors through its music and tourism industry, which supports large-scale sporting events.
James’ comments added to existing discussions about NBA expansion or relocation, though no official move involving the Grizzlies has been announced. His remarks, delivered during a casual interview setting, gained traction across both basketball and racing audiences.
While the future of the Grizzlies remains unchanged, the moment highlighted how Nashville continues to be part of conversations involving major professional sports.
Dogli Wilberforce is a writer covering NASCAR, Formula 1, and the IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. He has also written for Sportsnaut, FanSided, Total Apex Sports, and Last Word on Sports. Wilberforce focuses on the NASCAR Cup Series, breaking down news, driver stories, and key moments with a clear, fast, and engaging style. His work connects headlines to context, helping readers understand what matters most in the sport. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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