"I don't like the way Savannah looks at LeBron James": Kevin Gates drops race bite comparing Lakers star's wife's gaze to 'white women'

By Evan Bell

Modified Apr 19, 2025 19:52 GMT

NBA: Playoffs-Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers - Source: Imagn — Rapper Kevin Gates takes unprovoked shot at LeBron James' wife Savannah James ahead of the NBA Playoffs (image credit: IMAGN)

Ahead of Game 1 of LeBron James and the LA Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the future Hall of Famer's wife, Savannah James, was criticized by rapper Kevin Gates.

In a video that's been circulating on social media, the rapper said that if he had a choice, he wouldn't switch lives with the Lakers star because of his wife.

Gates questioned why Savannah wasn't more excited about her secret handshake with her husband before, saying that he doesn't like the way she looks at LeBron, whom she's been with since they were in high school.

Instead, Gates said that he likes how "white women" look at James.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

"I don't like the way Savannah look at LeBron," Gates said on Saturday. "I like the way them white women look at LeBron. Like, (as) soon as he walk out there, they be geeked out."

Expand Tweet

The video Gates referred to was a clip of the couple from 2023 during a Lakers game where LeBron wasn't playing, but was in attendance with his family.

Looking ahead at LeBron James and the LA Lakers' first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves

With LeBron James and the LA Lakers preparing for their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, the four-time NBA champion hasn't weighed in on the video of Kevin Gates.

He's locked in ahead of what's expected to be a thrilling first-round matchup. Additionally, Luka Doncic sent Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves home in the playoffs last year, and fans are eager to see how things play out this postseason.

During the regular season, the Lakers and the Timberwolves split wins and losses over four games, with LA notably picking up the only win after the Doncic trade.

However, as Anthony Edwards and Minnesota showed last season in the playoffs, they have what it takes to make a deep run.

This season, James has continued to defy Father Time, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. He also shot 51.3%, including 37.6% from beyond the arc.

Following Saturday's Game 1 in LA, the two teams will meet again on Tuesday before the series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Friday.

About the author

Evan Bell is a journalist specializing in the NBA and NHL at Sportskeeda, whose love for the game stems from a childhood spent watching the Chicago Bulls. He has been there through their highs and lows, from the Jordan era to the exciting Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah years.

Evan finds the 82-game season and the intensity of playoff basketball exhilarating, and he also revels in the offseason drama. Phil Jackson stands out as his favorite coach, whom he admires for his composed leadership and success in managing dynamic personalities like Dennis Rodman.

To deliver top-quality content, Evan fact-checks information while diligently keeping up with the action year-round.

When he's not writing, Evan follows tennis and Greek football, and also plays basketball and tennis.

Know More

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez