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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Andrew Gamble

LeBron James responds as eagle-eyed fans spot his dopplegänger playing at World Cup

LeBron James claimed he has ‘work to do in other places too’ after fans found the Los Angeles Laker superstar’s dopplegänger at the World Cup.

Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo was hilariously compared to James by football fans on social media. Unfortunately, the Brentford star could not inspire or carry his team to victory like James has done time and time again across his illustrious career.

Mbeumo’s Cameroon were gunned down by Switzerland in their opening game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with Breel Embolo securing a 1-0 win. The result means Switzerland remain unbeaten in their opening match at a World Cup tournament across their last six entries, last losing their first game against Germany in 1066.

However, most of the talk about the game was about Mbeumo’s resemblance to NBA’s LeBron James. Twitter account LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) posted a pair of images of Mbeumo along with caption: “So this why LeBron been out the last 5 games.”

As the tweet and images of Mbeumo went viral, James even saw and re-shared the images. The King commented: “I mean I got work to do in other places too!” - while including a number of laughing emojis.

James is currently enduring something of a frustrating start to the 2022/23 NBA season. After averaging 30.3 points per contest last year, the 37-year-old has slipped to 24.9 but is ultimately battling to simply appear on the court.

James has been nursing a groin injury that has kept him sidelined for six fo the last seven matches. The Lakers haven’t fared well in his absence, losing 115-105 to the Phoenix Suns last time out despite 37 and 21 points from other superstars Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

In total, James is averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 35.7 minutes over 10 games this season with the Lakers - and he is reportedly set to return from his frustrating injury in time for their next match. The Lakers travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs at the A&T Center on Friday night.

It could prove to be a pivotal match in the Lakers’ season, as it would signal the first time each member of their roster is fit while the 14th seed take on the 13th-seeded Spurs in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, James’ dopplegänger Mbeumo and Cameroon face Serbia in their next Group G match as the World Cup continues.

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