Doug Gottlieb claps back at jab from LeBron James over record at Wisconsin-Green Bay

LeBron James had some free time this week during the NBA All-Star break, and he used some of it to take aim at Doug Gottlieb on social media. The Los Angeles Lakers star quoted a post Monday morning that noted how Wisconsin-Green Bay, for which Gottlieb is a first-year coach, hadn’t won a game in three months.

“Earned 2 Not Given! Gotta give him credit though!” James wrote among a slew of laughing and poop emojis.

Earned 2 Not Given! Gotta give him credit though! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. 💩 💩 💩 💩 💩 https://t.co/khxpnlvUY1

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 17, 2025

Many were quick to point out below James’ post that the Phoenix had actually won Sunday evening, snapping that 21-game losing streak. They defeated Wright State by a score of 79-68 at home.

Gottlieb, who is also a radio host for FOX Sports, responded as he called into a show on the netowkr Monday to address the jab from James. He accused the 21-time All-Star of “punching down” by criticizing him and his team.

“I don’t think it speaks well for somebody who — like, don’t you have the day off?” Gottlieb said. “Don’t you have better things to do? My response is: Colin [Cowherd] told me a long time ago, ‘Don’t punch down. Always punch up.’ So me talking trash to him would technically be punching up. And him, it’s punching down. So I don’t know. I guess pettiness and insecurity aren’t limited to just people who aren’t super successful in their field. I guess that would be my response.

“It just doesn’t make any sense. Why on a Presidents’ Day Monday, when you have the day off, are you worried about me? I’m not really sure.”

@foxsportsradio Doug Gottlieb Reacts To Lebron James Trolling Him Earlier Today. #lebron #lebronjames #lebronjames23 #losangeleslakers #laker #bronnyjames #douggottlieb #douggottliebshow #nbaallstar #nba #danbeyer #monsebolanos ♬ original sound – Fox Sports Radio

It does seem a bit odd for James to be commenting on Gottlieb’s record, but some speculated it might have had something to do with comments the latter made about Bronny James. LeBron James’ son, Bronny was drafted to the Lakers in the second round this offseason after one year at USC.

Many were skeptical about whether Bronny being drafted was based on skill or who his father was, including Gottlieb. The coach had previously responded to a question on social media about whether Bronny would start for Wisconsin-Green Bay with some pushback.

“He would compete to start, but while I like how he moves the ball and defends, he wouldn’t be my point,” Gottlieb wrote. “My wings are bigger and without seeing him w/us, I think it would be hard for him to start TBH.”

Regardless of the reason, it doesn’t seem like Gottlieb will have much more to say on the matter. Perhaps now he can focus on finishing out the season on a high note with the losing streak a thing of the past.

Wisconsin Green Bay is now 3-24 (1-15 Horizon) and next faces Robert Morris on Friday.