LeBron James took the court at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday as the Lakers faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2. But what really caught fans off guard was the unexpected appearance of rapper Kevin Gates in the crowd.
Cameras quickly picked up Gates sitting in the front row. His appearance alone would have been nothing unusual, but the timing raised eyebrows due to a recent controversy involving LeBron and his wife, Savannah James.
Kevin Gates at the Lakers game tonight 👀
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 23, 2025
(h/t @scubaryan_) pic.twitter.com/29jpuEW7fK
Gates had posted a viral video on Instagram in which he critiqued how Savannah looks at LeBron. So when Gates appeared courtside, fans were stunned, and social media had a field day. Fans online were stunned that Gates had the audacity to attend a Lakers playoff game so soon after his remarks.
“Bros there to show Savannah how to look at LeBron properly,” one fan wrote.
Bros there to show Savannah how to look at LeBron properly.
— URKELLE (@URKELLE_) April 23, 2025
“Nigga came to the with his shirt open to stare at Bron like he said them white women be doing. Weird ass nigga,” another fan commented.
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Nigga came to the with his shirt open to stare at Bron like he said them white women be doing. Weird ass nigga
— Mel ♓️ (@MB_cali) April 23, 2025
“He’s looking for crazy attention,” one fan poked fun at Gate.
He’s looking for crazy attention
— Jimmy (@_James_Tz) April 23, 2025
“Lebron would talk to him after the game,” one fan predicted.
Lebron would talk to him after the game
— Saheem (@Saheem23_) April 23, 2025
“the scary part is I know Savannah gotta be there somewhere too,” one fan added.
😭 the scary part is I know Savannah gotta be there somewhere too
— JIZZLE. (@toowaveybaybe) April 23, 2025
LeBron James Speaks On JJ Redick’s Fiery Coaching Style After Lakers’ Game 2 Win
The Lakers leveled their playoff series against the Timberwolves with a 94-85 victory in Game 2 at on Tuesday night. In the postgame press conference, James made it clear that Redick’s intensity isn’t a distraction; rather, it’s part of the package.
“We know JJ is going to spazz out from time to time. At this point, for us, we need to listen to the message and not how he delivers it,” James said.
James played 40 minutes on Tuesday. Throughout this time, the Lakers star offered strong support with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. They now head to Minnesota for Game 3.
