Ibrahimovic sits courtside to watch the Nets vs Bucks in New York instead of LeBron James

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was seated courtside during the Brooklyn Nets during the 118-100 win against the Milwaukee Bucks.

It was a gripping game at the Barclays Center in New York, with the Nets recording an impressive victory. After the game, Nets guard Kyrie Irving greeted Ibrahimovic and the pair had a quick catch-up on the court.

The A.C Milan striker is currently enjoying the team’s winter break following the World Cup, however some fans may find it interesting he choose to take in the Nets game rather than the Los Angeles Lakers, who played later in the evening.

Ibrahimovic used to play in California for Los Angeles Galaxy but early in 2021 when social injustice was a hot button issue in the United States, Ibrahimovic clashed LeBron James after the star striker said he did not believe athletes like James should be heavily involved in social issues.

LeBron James who once had a war of words with Ibrahimovic last year during early 2021

James said: ‘I know what’s going on still, because I have a group of 300-plus kids at my school that’s going through the same thing, and they need a voice, and I’m their voice. I’ll use my platform to continue to shed light on everything that’s going on around this country and around the world. 

‘There’s no way I would ever just stick to sports, because I understand how powerful this platform and my voice is.’

In addition to his comments on Friday night, James’ most recent Instagram story on Saturday morning is a video saying: ‘When y’all gone learn that… I am more than an athlete.’

James also funds the I Promise School in his native Akron, Ohio, aimed at at-risk children and students’ families to ensure a stable learning experience at home. 

James has previously spoken in support of a number of social causes including the ‘More than a Vote’ campaign during the 2020 US election 

James’ most recent Instagram story says: ‘When y’all gone learn that I am more than an athlete’

James has stood up for a number of causes and funds the I Promise School in his native Ohio

Lakers point guard Dennis Schorder also backed Lebron calling out Ibrahimovic when he also commented saying: ‘Every athlete can use our platform and try to make change in this world,’ Schroder said. ‘Zlatan, he’s a little different. Unique player, unique character.’

At the time James also pointed out the fact that Ibrahimovic once used his own platform to speak up when he dealt with similar issues in Europe.

‘He’s the guy who said in Sweden, he was talking about the same things, because his last name wasn’t a (traditional Swedish) last name, he felt like there was some racism going on when he was out on the pitch,’ James said. 

‘I speak from a very educated mind. I’m kind of the wrong guy to actually go at, because I do my homework.’

Indeed, Ibrahimovic told Canal Plus that ‘undercover racism’ caused the Swedish media and public to treat him with less respect and reverence: ‘This exists, I am 100 per cent sure, because I am not Andersson or Svensson. If I would be that, trust me, they would defend me even if I would rob a bank.’

The pair overlapped for 16 months in Los Angeles when Ibrahimovic played for LA Galaxy 

In an interview (left), Ibrahimovic said about James: ‘I don’t like when people with a “status” speak about politics’ but has previously spoken out against racism in his native Sweden (right)

The two stars once walked the streets of the same city when Ibrahimovic played for the LA Galaxy.

Ibrahimovic has had a history of clashing with others like former Utd team-mate Romelu Lukaku, Joey Barton, Nedum Onuoha and Marcos Rojo in a long history of rows.

The controversial star also once took a jab at well-respected coach Pep Guardiola by calling him ‘immature’