Former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague raised eyebrows, claiming that LeBron James used steroids during his time with the Miami Heat. The comments, made during a recent episode of Teague’s Club 520 podcast, have drawn sharp reactions.
Teague, who spent much of his career battling James in the Eastern Conference, didn’t mince words.
“Miami Heat Bron, he was on steroids, bro,” Teague said. “They started testing for HGH, and he had to sit out. He said his back was hurting and he sat out for three weeks… then came back skinny”.
Jeff Teague said LeBron James used steroids when he was with the Miami Heat:
“They started testing for HGH and he had to sit out. He said his back was hurting and he sat out for 3 weeks then came back skinny.”pic.twitter.com/s8ff1bNvMu
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) July 23, 2025
The implication was clear: Teague believes James’ brief absence during the 2014–15 season, officially attributed to back and knee soreness, was actually tied to the NBA’s rollout of HGH testing protocols, and that James returned noticeably leaner afterward.
Despite the boldness of the accusation, Teague offered no concrete evidence. LeBron James has never failed a drug test, never been suspended, and remains one of the most scrutinized athletes in professional sports. The NBA didn’t begin formal HGH testing until after James left Miami, further complicating the timeline Teague referenced.
James played all but five games in the 2013–14 season and missed eight games in January 2015 during his first year back in Cleveland.
As the backlash mounted, Teague took to Instagram to clarify his remarks.
“Y’all weird. I was joking about Bron. He was just that dominant, chill,” he wrote.
Jeff Teague says his comments about LeBron using steroids were just a joke pic.twitter.com/dbR2cBZFJy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2025
The walk-back did little to quell the debate, as fans continued to dissect the original clip and question Teague’s intent.
This isn’t the first time Teague has taken aim at James. He previously suggested LeBron should consider retirement and has often shared stories of being “tormented” by James during playoff matchups.
At 40 years old, LeBron James is preparing for his 23rd NBA season, still averaging over 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. He’s a four-time champion, a 21-time All-Star, and widely considered one of the greatest athletes in sports history. His longevity and physical dominance have long fueled speculation, but never substantiated claims, about performance-enhancing drugs.
James reportedly spends over $1.5 million annually on body maintenance, including cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, and personal chefs. His commitment to health and recovery is well-documented, and until proven otherwise, his achievements remain untouched by scandal.
