NBA insider refutes false quote claiming LeBron James opened up on Diddy’s arrest

Following rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs' recent arrest, a report about LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James' alleged reaction went viral on social media. However, the NBA insider credited in the fabricated report has since called out the responsible fake news outlet.

On Monday, Diddy was arrested in New York on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The hip-hop mogul faces accusations of organizing extensive drug-induced male and female sex worker performances called "freak offs."

Diddy's indictment, which includes allegations dating back to 2008, also features reports of blackmail and violence to keep his purported sex trafficking operation covert.

Later Monday, the infamous NBA parody news outlet NBA Centel shared James' alleged thoughts on Diddy's arrest, citing league insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson.

In the hoax report, the four-time MVP, Diddy's apparent former acquaintance, takes credit for successfully predicting the timing of the rapper's arrest.

"It’s crazy, I was bumping to 'Mo Money Mo Problems' earlier today in the car, and I had a weird feeling today was the day the feds would catch Diddy," NBA Centel inaccurately quoted James.

While most fans seemingly recognized the report as satire, it appears enough believed it for Robinson to respond. On Sunday, the reporter refuted the tweet, noting its vast influence.

"Just so you all know: LeBron never said this, and I never asked him this," Robinson said. "7.5 million impressions on this tweet is CRAZY!"

---

---

LeBron James called out for apparent connection to Diddy following fake quote about rapper's arrest

Since NBA Centel's fabricated report about LeBron James' reaction to Diddy's arrest, he has caught flak for a resurfaced Instagram live video with the rapper.

In the clip, James seemingly hints at partying with Diddy.

"Ain’t no party like a Diddy party," James says in the video.

Conservative pundit Candace Owens shared the clip on X Friday, calling out James for not commenting on Diddy's detainment.

"Is LeBron James going to weigh in on his friend’s "freak offs?" Owens said. "I mean, we hear from "The King" on virtually every political issue, so this seems like an odd one to stay quiet about."

While James has yet to speak about Diddy's current predicament, he has seemingly distanced himself from the hip-hop tycoon. In May, it was reported that the 20-time All-Star unfollowed Diddy on Instagram.

However, it remains to be seen if the often-outspoken James will directly address Diddy's arrest.

---

Fact Check: Did LeBron James bump into Diddy before rapper's arrest? NBA legend's viral quote debunked