Ron Harper Finds Another Way To Diss LeBron James (Spoiler: He Used His Sons)

Through the years, Ron Harper has taken shots at LeBron James on social media. This comes as no surprise, as Harper used to play alongside Michael Jordan, who stands opposite James in the NBA’s GOAT debate.

This past weekend, Harper was in Inglewood to watch his two sons, Ron Jr. and Dylan, compete in the Castrol Rising Stars Challenge. After the event, the five-time NBA champion joined his offspring in a media session, where he was asked if he envisioned his boys pursuing an NBA career like him.

Shaking his head, Harper said, “I’m not LeBron James. I’m not gonna tell my kids what they have to do.” As Ron Jr. and Dylan realized their father’s punchline, the two brothers let out an audible “Yooo.”

With his two sons making faces (and Dylan even burying his face in his hands), Harper continued: “I’m just willing to let them play and enjoy the game…Once upon a time, I told them, every opportunity that you have, you should have a chance to play in the NBA.”

Harper, who is outspoken on everything from politics to culinary choices in school cafeterias, certainly looked like he relished the chance to diss James with a live microphone in front of him. In a way, though, this verbal jab is one of the more subdued attacks launched by Harper at the King.

A scroll through the X account of the former Chicago Bulls guard shows different types of criticism lobbied at LBJ. Harper has called James’ fourth NBA title “a bubble ring” and “trash,” discrediting the ordeals that James and the LA Lakers went through as they competed in unique circumstances back in 2020. Even with petty matters, Harper didn’t relent; in April 2025, he echoed Isiah Thomas’ displeasure towards the sight of James going shirtless in warmups.

And, of course, there’s the GOAT debate. Harper has engaged with several fans who have claimed that James is ranked above everybody else in NBA history. Harper had a front-row seat to the outstanding play of Jordan in the 90s, and it certainly appears that nothing will change his mind on that stance.

Whether LBJ likes it or not, Harper will keep taking shots at him. Whether that’s through a tweet or a live mic.