A memorable moment of respect from Lakers star LeBron James from back in 2015 went viral after the death of NFL legend Jim Brown on Friday.
Prior to tip-off of the Cleveland’s victory over the Warriors in Game 3 of the 2015 NBA Finals, James put his hands together and bowed in the direction of Jim Brown, who was sitting courtside. Given that the clip showed arguably one of three greatest basketball players ever paying homage to one of football’s greatest running backs, the moment became one of the lasting images from that year’s NBA season.
“It was one of my greatest sports moments,” Brown said back in 2015. “It really was. I’m not a basketball player. I had one of the greatest seats on earth. I had no concept that LeBron even knew I was at the game. And when he made his gesture, it was just a great thing for an old guy.”
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) May 19, 2023
The extraordinary moment from a nearly a decade ago is once again taking its rightful place among historic moments in sports on Friday after Brown’s wife announced that the legendary running back died at the age of 87. A football icon and activist, who was involved in several off-the-field incidents during his life, Brown is regarded as one of the most impactful athletes of all-time.
James was among those across the sports world who paid homage to Brown on Friday, writing a touching message to the late NFL star on Instagram.
“We lost a hero today. Rest in Paradise to the legend Jim Brown,” James wrote. “I hope every Black athlete takes the time to educate themselves about this incredible man and what he did to change all of our lives. We all stand on your shoulders Jim Brown.
“If you grew up in Northeast Ohio and were Black, Jim Brown was a God. As a kid who loved football, I really just thought of him as the greatest Cleveland Brown to ever play. Then I started my own journey as a professional athlete and realized what he did socially was his true greatness. When I choose to speak out, I always think about Jim Brown. I can only speak because Jim broke down those walls for me. I am so grateful that I was able to call you my friend. I hope I can continue to honor your legacy with my words and actions.”
