Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James (r). Photo: Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said he was sorry on Sunday for sharing antisemitic rap lyrics on his Instagram account.

“Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone,” James told ESPN, saying he had no antisemitic intent.

“That’s not why I chose to share that lyric,” he stated. “I always [post lyrics]. That’s what I do. I ride in my car, I listen to great music, and that was the byproduct of it.”

The lyrics quoted were from the song “ASMR” by 21 Savage. James quoted the words, “We been getting that Jewish money, Everything is Kosher.”

James said he had actually understood the words as a complimentary reference to Jewish business acumen.

“So I actually thought it was a compliment,” he stated, “and obviously it wasn’t through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies. It definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody.”

The problematic nature of James’ Instagram page was first noted by sports business reporter Darren Rovell, who tweeted, “Surprised LeBron, who makes very few mistakes, put this out. Does quoting lyrics from a song absolve the person quoting from the responsibility behind the words? I’d argue no, especially with a following of 45 million.”