Kevin Gates and Brittany Renner made a high-profile appearance at the Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night (April 22), but it wasn’t just their courtside presence that had fans talking—it was the lingering tension between Gates and Lakers superstar LeBron James.
In the days leading up to the game, Gates stirred controversy online after sharing his candid thoughts about LeBron’s marriage, specifically targeting the way Savannah James, LeBron’s longtime wife, supports her husband during games.
“I don’t like the way Savannah look at LeBron,” Gates said during a recent interview that quickly went viral. “I like the way them white women look at LeBron.”
Gates didn’t stop there. He took his critique further, comparing Savannah to a “warden of the jail,” suggesting that she exerts too much control over the NBA legend. “It’s like she polices him,” he continued. “I couldn’t do it. It hurt me to see that… I love LeBron and I hate that he gotta go through that.”
The comments ignited a firestorm on social media, with many fans defending Savannah, who has long been praised for her elegance, loyalty, and quiet strength as LeBron’s partner since high school. Critics of Gates called the remarks disrespectful, misogynistic, and out of touch.
LeBron didn’t address the situation directly by name, but many believe he clapped back with a subtle and dignified message on Instagram. Sharing a candid photo of him and Savannah laughing together, he wrote:
"Kings don’t concern themselves with the opinions of peasants. Where to next, Queen?!?! Let’s get it."
The post immediately sent social media into overdrive, with fans applauding LeBron for his poised and protective response. Many interpreted it as a firm affirmation of his bond with Savannah and a dismissal of Gates' unsolicited commentary.
As for Gates, the rapper hasn’t issued a follow-up statement, but his appearance with Brittany Renner at the Lakers game raised eyebrows—especially since he’s found himself in headlines over relationship dynamics more than once.
Source: Instagram
