The outspoken host made it crystal clear to LeBron that "I never would speak negatively about your son. I was talking about you."

LeBron James, not exactly a stranger to controversy or angry fans, triggered swathes of NBA viewers with a withdrawal.

It took a while, but kudos to John Cooper for purchasing the basketball legend's sprawling property at a relative bargain.

The delusional and self-important James voted to subject his daughter to actual threats while posing as her protector against imaginary ones.

"I was like, 'What? Why are we playing with this ball?'" the coach said. "Give the guys the opportunity to pick a good basketball."

O'Neal protected a bullied classmate who then repaid him with an act of service that gave the NBA legend something even more valuable.

"He isn’t a NBA caliber player no matter what his last name is," one particularly biting social media response said.

"Bronny James has mastered the art of lying much like his father," one outlet sarcastically noted, along with footage of the quote.

"He's saying don't take him, if you take him, he's going to Australia," one source said regarding Bronny James' agent's demands.

The Los Angeles Lakers made history on Thursday by drafting Bronny James, son of one of the team's best players, LeBron James.