Did James use banned substances while playing for the Heat? The former All-Star urgently clarifies his statement: I was joking.

On July 24, Beijing time, former NBA All-Star guard Teague mentioned on a podcast that James might have used steroids during his time with the Heat. However, he quickly took to social media on IG to clarify his remarks, stating it was just a joke.

Lakers superstar LeBron James continues to challenge age and expectations, still performing at an elite level at 40 years old. As the oldest active player in the NBA, his ability to combine athleticism with career longevity remains unmatched. Teague's claim on the podcast that James used steroids during his time with the Heat sparked significant discussion.

“He was using steroids back then, brother. The reason he was sidelined during that period was because of steroids. Of course, that’s just speculation,” Teague said on the podcast, “After the league started testing for human growth hormone (HGH), he had to take a break. He claimed he had a back injury and was out for three weeks, and when he returned, he had lost a lot of weight.”

American media noted that human growth hormone is technically not a steroid, but this substance is sometimes illegally used to accelerate recovery, reduce body fat, and enhance athletic performance.

Perhaps noticing the attention his comments garnered, Teague quickly updated his social media, writing: “You guys are hilarious, I was just joking about LeBron. He was so dominant back then, can we chill?”

This is not the first time James has found himself in a similar controversy. In March 2023, former mixed martial artist Sonnen accused James on a podcast of using EPO (erythropoietin) to enhance his athletic performance.

James played for the Heat for four seasons from 2010 to 2014, winning two championships in 2012 and 2013. This period marked the peak of his career—his physical dominance on the court was evident.

This summer, James chose to exercise his player option worth $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season, meaning he will embark on his 23rd season in the NBA, still donning the Lakers' purple and gold jersey.