Being from Ohio, LeBron James is a notable Ohio State fan.
Friday’s news of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended for game-day duties for the rest of the 2023 season following a Big Ten investigation into the program’s sign-stealing controversy definitely piqued James’s interest then, since the Wolverines are the Buckeye’s No. 1 rivalry.
Coincidentally, on the same day, James and the Lakers faced the Suns and Los Angeles’ former coach Frank Vogel. Since some of the Lakers players competed under Vogel, LeBron suggested they could decipher some of Phoenix’s signals. This gave the avid Ohio State fan a perfect opportunity to subtly roast Michigan in his post-game interview.
“The best thing about tonight is we were able to get those signals and we’ll still be able to play on Sunday,” James said. “We won’t get suspended, like that team up north.”
LeBron James made a “stealing signals” dig at “that team up north” (Michigan; he’s an Ohio State FB fan) to my question on how Lakers overcame Suns’ lead.
— DANA (@iam_DanaScott) November 11, 2023
On Fri, Big Ten banned Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh from sidelines for rest of reg season for sign-stealing from opponents. pic.twitter.com/AtRmvPR5uB
With the suspension, Harbaugh will not be allowed to be on the field for Michigan’s remaining games this season, including the matchup against Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 25.