Zlatan Ibrahimovic faced criticism from numerous NBA basketball stars after he voiced disapproval of LeBron James’ involvement in politics.

“Zlatan, refrain from meddling in Los Angeles affairs. The LA Galaxy, his former team, didn’t perform well either. And Zlatan’s comments are ill-conceived. Stop acting like Zohan and let Adam Sandler reclaim his original role,” former basketball player Baron Davis expressed on Twitter. Sandler is a renowned American actor who portrayed Zohan, a comically exaggerated immigrant character in the film “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.”

Another basketball star, Enes Kanter, also took a strong stance against the AC Milan striker. “Someone needs to educate Ibrahimovic that there’s a distinction between a political stance and speaking out against oppression, discrimination, and denouncing dictators. Black Lives Matter isn’t a political statement; it’s a call to address oppression. In America, that’s exercising freedom of speech,” wrote the Portland Trail Blazers player on social media.

The controversy ignited when Ibrahimovic made a statement on February 25, objecting to LeBron James’ involvement in politics by supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Ibrahimovic’s belief is that athletes should focus solely on their athletic performance rather than using their platform to express opinions.

LeBron James responded a day later, asserting, “I cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. I advocate for equality, social justice, fighting racism, confronting systematic voter suppression, and addressing the issues affecting our communities. I am deeply connected to this community and understand its challenges. I’m aware because 300 kids in my school experience these realities. They need a voice, and I am that voice. I will continue to use it to shed light not only on issues within my community but also those in our nation and around the world.”

Tensions showed no signs of abating as Ibrahimovic continued to criticize LeBron James. During a press conference at the San Remo music festival on March 3, the 39-year-old player stated, “Athletes help unite the world, whereas politics divides it. Athletes, like myself, are here to bring people together through sports – that’s our forte. Athletes should focus solely on their sports careers, leaving politics to politicians.”