LeBron James gives young fan at Lakers game a heartfelt moment ‘she will never forget’
She will never forget this moment.
LeBron James made a young fan’s day when he noticed her crying after seeing him up close during the Lakers-Heat game in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.
The four-time NBA champ waved mid-game to the little girl, who was wearing his No. 23 Lakers jersey, and then spent time with her on the court after Los Angeles’ 117-108 victory over Miami.
“A family friend sent me the clip at halftime,” James said, referring to the moment ESPN cameras captured her crying with her hand over her mouth. “And thank goodness that I actually looked at my phone at halftime or I wouldn’t have even seen the reaction when I waved to her in the first half. I waved to her and then got back to play.
“To have that type of connection with someone where they can have that type of reaction, I think that’s really what it’s all about. And I always try to be a role model and someone that kids can look up to me, men, women, whatever the case may be. I try and make them proud and want to come see me play — or if they’re not able to see me play, hopefully come of the things I do off the floor continue to inspire them. But was a super dope moment.”
James explained that having a daughter of his own — 10-year-old Zhuri with his wife Savannah — made the moment extra special.
“I have a little girl myself back home, so I made sure that I went over and chopped it up with her after the game,” James said. “I gave her one of my ‘I Promise’ bands and took a picture with her. I believe that was her sister as well, I’m not sure, but could be her sister or friend.
LeBron James made a young fan’s day when he noticed her crying after seeing him up close during the Lakers-Heat game in Los Angeles on January 15, 2025.X
LeBron James made a young fan’s day when he noticed her crying after seeing him up close during the Lakers-Heat game in Los Angeles on January 15, 2025.X
“Took a picture with them and I think it will be something that hopefully she will never forget. I’m happy to be a part of her life now. That small moment was such a bigger moment.”
James joked that he hopes the young girl brags about their meeting at school.
“She got the upper hand on some of her classmates that might’ve said some bad things about her in the past,” James said. “So, they can’t say anything now.”
Wednesday’s win over Miami snapped a three-game losing streak for Los Angeles.
It was the Lakers’ first victory since two of their games were postponed due to the deadly wildfires in Southern California.
James finished with 22 points and nine assists.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer explained that the LA fires have taken a mental toll on him as his family was evacuated from their home.
The Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets in Los Angeles on Friday.
“I have a little girl myself back home, so I made sure that I went over and chopped it up with her after the game,” James said. “I gave her one of my ‘I Promise’ bands and took a picture with her. I believe that was her sister as well, I’m not sure, but could be her sister or friend.
“Took a picture with them and I think it will be something that hopefully she will never forget. I’m happy to be a part of her life now. That small moment was such a bigger moment.”
James joked that he hopes the young girl brags about their meeting at school.
“She got the upper hand on some of her classmates that might’ve said some bad things about her in the past,” James said. “So, they can’t say anything now.”
