How will Lebron’s comments impact the Bluff City’s economy? | News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – King James is standing by his sharp criticism of Memphis and his experience in Bluff City hotels.

“I’m not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis,” LeBron James said over the weekend. “I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric. What’s wrong with that?”

LeBron’s disapproval comes as the long-term future of the Grizzlies is in jeopardy. People also worry his opinions could impact the city’s tourism, especially if the Grizzlies move to Nashville.

“It seems to me that it was calculated,” said Jeffrey Wright, host of Jeffrey Wright and Company on 92.9 FM ESPN. “I do think he was at least trying to start some sort of conversation.”

Wright is a lifelong Memphian and a fan of the Grizzlies since the team arrived in Memphis in 2001. He said losing an NBA franchise would take a toll on the city, both economically and psychologically.

“It makes it very difficult to gain another one,” he said. “Not that the Grizzlies were Memphis’s only shot, but it was always Memphis’s best shot. We’re now at the point where they have become a part of the city. It doesn’t feel like we’re just renting them anymore.”

From the radio station to Riverside Drive, fans turned out in support for their city.

“He just ain’t been around here long enough to see the culture,” said Kam Davis, an East Memphis resident who was playing basketball at Tom Lee Park on Monday.

“Somebody’s got to get dude out of here,” laughed Cam Hawkins, a South Memphis resident who was also playing basketball. “Somebody really got to get dude—he doesn’t just know Memphis.”

What about the city’s economy?

Kevin Kane, the president and CEO of Memphis Tourism, sent this statement to FOX13:

“Memphis is a city defined by soul and creativity. From our music and culture to our world-class culinary scene, we have a story and a spirit that’s uniquely ours, and it’s something worth celebrating every day.

Wear your Grizz gear with pride. Go to the game and be loud, proud, and united in support of our team, and most importantly, our city.

Memphis doesn’t need validation from anywhere else. We know who we are, and we have plenty to be proud of.”