Lakers’ LeBron James Name Drops Mariners’ Owner Ken Griffey Jr As Favorite Non-Basketball Athlete

Last month, Ken Griffey Jr was interviewed by Sporting News and was asked about LeBron James playing with his son Bronny before he retires.
Something he and his father achieved in 1990 with Major League Baseball.
“When that happens, I’m going to be there. I’m going to take my dad to the game,” Griffey Jr. said.
“We’re actually gonna go to the game,” Griffey Jr. said. “LeBron being a Nike guy. I’m a Nike guy. I’m gonna make sure I’m there at that game. And I think it’s important that we’re all there in celebrating somebody else’s success. Because that’s thing when you’re in sports, you don’t celebrate you. You celebrate other people. And that’s the beauty of sports. And we’re gonna celebrate hopefully in a couple of years LeBron and Bronny playing together.”
James would later see what Griffey said and respond on social media with this message, “One of my favorite people in the world!! Love you, kid! Thank you for your love and support from the first day I stepped on the scene.”
on Monday night during a question and answer session on Twitter, James dubbed down on his answer when asked who was his favorite non-basketball athlete.
“Of all time ??? Griffey Jr. for sure!!”

Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.

 
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                      