While being one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James is also one of the most scrutinized athletes ever. Wherever James has been, cameras have followed him everywhere. After a historic cover shoot with millionaire Brazilian model, Gisele Bundchen, the four-time champion was embroiled in controversy.

Before she married NFL legend Tom Brady in 2009, Bundchen was the star alongside LeBron James for a Vogue cover shoot. Before James became one of this generation’s most notable basketball players, he was criticized for everything possible. James and Bundchen were already two of the biggest stars in their fields.

In 2008, LeBron James became the first African-American man to grace the cover of the iconic magazine. While it was a historic achievement, the cover shoot became famous for all the wrong reasons. Critics called out James for depicting himself and Bundchen in a ‘distasteful manner’.

It was said that they drew a striking resemblance to the image of King Kong enveloping his lady love interest. Although the image caused controversy at the time, it was rather quickly forgotten as well. James went on to achieve even more success and Bundchen became one of the biggest models ever.

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She married 7-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady, shortly after the controversy. They are parents to three beautiful children currently and the Los Angeles Lakers star has been busy with his own kids as well.

LeBron James has always been constantly slandered

Being one of the biggest names on the planet certainly has its demerits. Even before coming to the NBA, James was criticized for one thing or another. During his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James was lambasted for his inability to lead his team to a championship.

James eventually started winning, but that was only after he joined the Miami Heat. Even then, he was slandered for not being able to do it ‘on his own’. That Heat team with James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh is considered to be the start of the era of the superteam in the NBA.

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Wherever James has gone, controversy has followed him. However, James has made sure he has a great legacy that far surpasses all the criticism he has received.