I think framing a statement like this as “picking sides” is very problematic.
Truth is, unless you live in the region and/or have been effected by the almost hundred year history of violence, and terrorism all of us are speaking from second hand ignorance, propaganda, agendas and confusion.
What is definitely true is that indiscriminate killing and torture of civilians should be condemned full stop. Even if you can see historical context and understand how we got here, there’s nothing inherently wrong with Lebrons statement.
I do agree with the criticism that he should have been speaking up about the violence and innocent lives lost a long time ago if this is an issue that matters to him. But it’s not an easy thing for the average citizen to follow with the way things are reported. Even now the level of bias and propaganda in reporting is crazy. Hopefully this statement begets some reasonable discourse and understanding in Lebrons world. Instead of just more hate and finger pointing.