LeBron James Suggests NBA Rigged 2003 Draft Lottery

LeBron James recently stirred controversy by suggesting that the 2003 NBA draft lottery, which allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to select him with the No. 1 pick, may have been rigged. During an appearance on the 'Pat McAfee Show,' James pointed out the coincidence of him being drafted by his hometown team and referenced other instances where the lottery outcomes favored major markets, such as Patrick Ewing to the Knicks and Derrick Rose to the Bulls. This remark has reignited longstanding conspiracy theories regarding the lottery's legitimacy, particularly the famous 'frozen envelope' theory from 1985. Fans and commentators have reacted strongly to his insinuations, with some expressing skepticism about other recent draft outcomes. While the Cavaliers had equal odds with the Denver Nuggets, James's comments have prompted discussions about the integrity of the lottery system. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has yet to address these claims publicly, leaving the controversy open for debate.