James: What's wrong with me not liking playing in two cities? I also don't like playing back in my hometown.

On April 5 Beijing time, Lakers star LeBron James responded to recent criticism during an interview after practice. Previously, he suggested on a program that the Memphis Grizzlies should relocate to Nashville, which sparked significant controversy.

The Lakers star reiterated during the interview with reporters that he criticized two cities while recently appearing on the program "Bob Does Sports," and clarified that his comments about Memphis had nothing to do with the city's residents.

“I also talked about Milwaukee, didn't they see that? Didn't they notice?” James stated that his comments about Milwaukee didn't cause such a big reaction, “I'm 41 years old, and currently there are two cities I don't like playing in: Milwaukee and Memphis. What's the problem with that?”

In last Thursday's program, the host asked about his experience traveling for away games at this age in the NBA. James said "the physical toll is much greater," and then discussed Milwaukee and Memphis.

“Any random Tuesday in Milwaukee,” James said on the program, “Being 41 and staying at the damn Hyatt hotel. Do you think I want to do that? Any random Thursday in Memphis? I'm not the first person in the NBA to say this. We all think, ‘You guys should move, go to Nashville.’ There's Vanderbilt University, NASCAR, an arena, don't they also have a hockey team?”

When discussing the NBA away cities he dislikes and the recent criticism he's faced, James didn't only focus on Memphis and Milwaukee.Besides clarifying his views on these two cities, he also admitted that he doesn't like playing back in Cleveland either.

The star from Akron, Ohio, spent his first seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, led the team to four consecutive Finals appearances, and won the franchise's first championship in 2016.

“I also don't like playing back in my hometown… but that's where I'm from,” James said today, “These people are ridiculous. They also keep bothering me because my son Bronny is with the Lakers. What are we even talking about? People should focus their energy on other more important things. Seriously, I'm not talking about the city of Memphis or its people. I just don't like staying at the Hyatt Centric hotel, what's wrong with that? There's nothing wrong! What are we even arguing about?… Everyone just calm down.”

After the related program clip circulated online, James's comments were criticized by media and Memphis residents. Memphis Mayor Paul Young responded, publicly inviting James to visit Memphis.

“I'd love to show you the charm of this world-class city, turning your criticism into action,” Young wrote in a Facebook post, mentioning Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins defending Memphis on ESPN's program, “Come to Memphis and tour with me, I'll show you the culture and the major investment projects with great potential in our city.”

The Lakers practiced at Southern Methodist University that day, preparing for Monday's away game against the Dallas Mavericks.