LeBron James has never been one to shy away from a little showmanship, especially when it comes to setting the tone before tipoff. His iconic chalk toss has become a staple of NBA pregame theatrics, but this season, he’s added a new wrinkle - and it’s got the whole Lakers squad in on the fun.
Here’s how it goes: Just before the game, LeBron makes his way to the corner of the court, launches a basketball high into the air, and catches it off the bounce. As he does, his teammates surround him, drop into a synchronized squat, and jog backward in unison.
It’s part performance, part bonding moment - and all energy. It’s the kind of thing that might seem lighthearted on the surface, but anyone who’s been around a locker room knows how rituals like this can build chemistry and signal that a team is locked in.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting: In a recent game against the Spurs, LeBron sat out - but the ritual didn’t. Instead, his son Bronny stepped in to carry the torch. That moment alone was enough to turn heads, but what happened next took it to another level.
Soon after, a clip surfaced on social media showing a street version of the ritual. A man in a sharp black coat launched a basketball skyward in the middle of a city street, surrounded by a group that included kids and onlookers.
As he caught the ball, the crowd around him dropped into a squat and jogged backward, mirroring the Lakers’ pregame move. Just like that, what started as a team ritual became a viral moment - one that made its way from the hardwood to the sidewalks.
The video lit up online, sparking a wave of reactions. Some fans were all in on the fun, embracing the playful spirit of the moment.
Others? Not so much.
The comment sections filled up fast with a range of takes - from light-hearted jabs to more pointed criticism - aimed at both the ritual and LeBron himself.
But here’s the thing: Whether you’re laughing with it or rolling your eyes at it, the fact that a pregame ritual has made this kind of cultural splash says something. It speaks to LeBron’s influence, not just as a player, but as a figure who continues to shape the NBA’s off-court culture. Love it or not, people are paying attention - and that’s been a constant throughout his career.
Meanwhile, on the court, the Lakers are holding steady. Sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 33-21 record, they’re very much in the thick of the playoff race. And while LeBron continues to field questions about how long he can keep performing at this level, moments like these show he’s still finding new ways to lead - whether it’s with a game-winning shot or a pregame ritual that gets everyone moving.
At this point, LeBron’s legacy is about more than just stats and rings. It’s about the way he brings people together - teammates, fans, even strangers on the street - through the game of basketball.