Brian Windhorst is a prominent American sportswriter known for his extensive coverage of the NBA. Born on January 29, 1978, in Akron, Ohio, he began following LeBron James during James’s high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Windhorst graduated from Kent State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
He started his professional career in 2003 as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer for the Akron Beacon Journal, becoming the youngest traveling NBA beat writer at the time. In 2008, Windhorst joined The Plain Dealer, continuing his coverage of the Cavaliers. He moved to ESPN in 2010, where he covers the NBA and hosts “The Hoop Collective” podcast, featuring discussions with fellow ESPN insiders about NBA events and trends.
Recently, Windhorst has been involved in public disputes with NBA star LeBron James. In a March 2025 interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” James referred to Windhorst as “this guy who says he’s like my f***ing best friend,” labeling his behavior as “weird.” Windhorst has also faced scrutiny over his contract status with ESPN, with reports suggesting he is among several prominent talents whose contracts are set to expire amid a competitive media landscape.
Despite these challenges, Windhorst remains a significant figure in sports journalism, providing in-depth analysis and reporting on the NBA through various ESPN platforms.