
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks in an emotional road win on Wednesday night, and given the significance of the contest—L.A. guard Luka Doncic's first time returning to his old court—the stands were star-studded. Among those in the crowd were Mavericks legend and friend of Doncic's, Dirk Nowitzki, who sat alongside journalist Taylor Rooks; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a known Mavericks fan; and star Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
Asked after the game if he had a chance to or would try to acknowledge the NFL stars in attendance, big-time football fan LeBron James said he definitely would before reiterating how "King Henry is my favorite player in the National Football League." (Chiefs fans, don't fret; he also called Mahomes "the best player in football.”)
LeBron James on Derrick Henry, who was in attendance for Luka's return to Dallas last night:
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) April 10, 2025
"I've said over and over that King Henry is my favorite player in the National Football League."
via @SpectrumSN pic.twitter.com/R5Oy5OXnHH
After the contest was over, King James and King Henry did, in fact, get a chance to hold court together—and Henry then thanked the basketball star for the time on social media on Thursday.
"GOAT JAMES," Henry wrote on X (formerly Twitter), alongside a photo of the two. "I appreciate the love always my g. 1/1."
Check that out below:
👑GOAT JAMES🐐
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) April 10, 2025
I appreciate the love always my g
1/1 @KingJames https://t.co/8PSpE2xwFq pic.twitter.com/vtfzBjM3GQ
Cool stuff. Maybe if LeBron had chosen football instead of hooping, the two could have been teammates.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as LeBron James Shared Cool Moment With His 'Favorite' NFL Player After Lakers’ Win.