"LeBron wouldn't do this", "This for real or AI" - Fans confused by AI-generated audio of LeBron James and Kevin Durant slamming Steve Kerr

An audio clip generated by AI of a conversation between Team USA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant regarding Jayson Tatum's lack of playing time went viral on social media.

In the clip, shared by a parody account claiming to be Rob Reinhart of the New York Herald, James slammed Team USA coach Steve Kerr's decision not to play Tatum on Thursday in their 95-91 win against Serbia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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"I mean, I know him and Steph [Curry] are boys but I don't think I can play for him again," James' AI voice said. "I mean, he has no idea what he's doing. I don't know what he has against JT but it's so childish. Like, why won't you play him? It makes no f**king sense. We need the help and he's there, why not just play him? Kerr is such a f**king idiot."

"We're still gonna f**king win, though," Durant's AI voice replied.

"Even if we win gold, it's not on coach. Guy's a f**king disaster," the AI voice of James concluded.

The audio caused some confusion among fans on X. While a section was convinced the clip was fake, others were not so certain. According to the community notes on X, the video was created by a "parody journalist" of a "now-ceased publication." The account's profile picture was also AI-generated, the notes added.

"Man they got hot mics everywhere," commented one fan who seemingly fell for the hoax.

"I mean... even if it's fake, it's true," another fan said.

"The New York Herald ceased operations a century ago. “Rob Reinhart” is using an AI-generated profile pic and the clip of LeBron James ripping Steve Kerr is AI as well," one user deduced.

"Ayo this for real or Ai? Lmao let's go! I hope there's a Netflix documentary on this team also with this," one fan commented.

"This is AI but damn it’s funny af i wish it was real," said one user.

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Steve Kerr's decision to bench Jayson Tatum almost backfired

While Team USA was able to eke out a win against Serbia, it required a collective effort from the group.

The gold-medal favorites trailed by 13 points heading into the final quarter before their stars finally caught fire.

Steph Curry exploded for 36 points as he shot 9 for 14 from beyond the arc. Tatum was left on the bench and registered zero minutes for the second time against Serbia. This led to speculation among fans regarding why Kerr decided not to play him.

Team USA will take on France in the gold medal game on Saturday.

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