If there's one thing to know about Lakers superstar LeBron James, it's that he puts his family over everything.
As L.A. begins its journey in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, James took to Instagram to share a post honoring his wife, Savannah. The post doesn't appear to be "just because" but rather something shared in response to criticism from a somewhat unexpected source.
James' Instagram homage to his family's matriarch came within a day of viral comments in an Instagram video shared by platinum recording artist Kevin Gates, who made rather pointed comments about James' marriage.
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What did Gates say? Here is more on the criticisms from Gates and what James said in response.
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What did Kevin Gates say about LeBron James' wife?
Gates' criticisms are rooted in a strong opinion: "I don't like the way Savannah looks at LeBron."
The opinionated Louisiana artist continued by referencing the gaze LeBron garners from women who attend Lakers games, contrasting it to Savannah's expressions when the couple does their handshake. He said that Savannah looks like she is being bothered by LeBron during some of their public moments
Gates acknowledged that his opinion would likely be met with backlash but claimed only to want the best for LeBron because, "As a man, I hate that he's gotta go through that. In the playoffs! In the playoffs, your main player has a look on her face like 'I could be doing more.'"
He also took a few more personal shots about changes in Savannah's appearance over time, so it makes sense that the viral clip seems to have garnered a response.
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LeBron James seemingly responds to Kevin Gates
On Sunday afternoon, James shared a post featuring two photos of him and his wife with the caption, "Kings don't concern themselves with the opinions of peasants. Where to next Queen?!?! Let's get it!"
Both photos are from the same day and feature LeBron and Savannah looking at one another romantically.
More than just the caption, the photo choices make it evident that James may have heard what Gates said in the now-viral video.
It's a notable choice for James to post this in between Games 1 and 2 of the Lakers' playoff series with the Timberwolves, especially considering he would famously go dark on social media during the postseason.
While James has eased up on his social media limits during the postseason, the decision to make a direct response to Gates is notable. It also aligns with James' tendency to stand up and protect his family, evidenced by his back-and-forth with Stephen A. Smith earlier in the year.
James' post made it to Gates, who shared a video in response on Sunday evening.
"The truth hurts, but it heals," Gates said while in the car with partner Brittany Renner. "Bron, I love you … As long as you being celebrated, I don't care who don't like me."
He called himself a life coach and a guru and doubled down with one final message for Savannah, saying, "You smile — you at that Black man! You smile at him!" Which is either Gates' version of encouragement or positive reinforcement based on the photos LeBron shared.
Whatever it may be, LeBron James-Kevin Gates may go down as the most unlikely feud in an already bizarre NBA season.
Who is Kevin Gates?
Gates is a recording artist from Baton Rouge, La.
While his musical career began in 2007, Gates' first studio album was released in 2016. Among his most popular songs are "2 Phones" and "Really Really," both of which were released in 2015 and were featured on his major debut.
Over time, Gates has developed a major platform on social media where he shares his opinion on a variety of topics and he has over 11 million Instagram followers.