LeBron James has never been one to shy away from showmanship. From his iconic chalk toss to his larger-than-life presence on and off the court, the Lakers star knows how to set the tone. But this season, he’s taken it a step further with a new pre-game ritual that’s become a full-team affair-and it’s catching fire far beyond the hardwood.
Here’s how it goes: just before tipoff, LeBron heads to the corner of the court, launches a basketball high into the air, and catches it off the bounce. That’s the cue.
His teammates gather around him, squat in unison, and then jog backward together in a synchronized motion that’s part dance, part hype, and all team energy. It’s a moment that blends camaraderie with flair-exactly the kind of thing that gets a crowd buzzing before the first whistle.
The ritual has quickly become a staple of Lakers warmups. And even when LeBron sat out a recent game against the Spurs, the tradition didn’t miss a beat. His son, Bronny James, stepped in to carry the torch-keeping the vibe alive and the team locked in.
But the moment didn’t stay confined to the arena. It’s gone viral, spilling over into the streets and social media feeds.
In one particularly popular clip, posted by Nick Kosir on Instagram, a man in a sleek black coat recreates the ritual in the middle of a city street. Surrounded by a lively crowd-including kids-he tosses a basketball skyward, catches it, and the group around him drops into a synchronized squat before jogging backward, just like the Lakers.
It’s playful, it’s unexpected, and it’s proof that this ritual has taken on a life of its own.
Whether you're a diehard Lakers fan or just someone scrolling through your feed, the energy is hard to ignore. It’s a reminder that basketball is as much about joy and connection as it is about wins and losses. And when a team-especially one led by a player as influential as LeBron-finds a way to create those moments, people take notice.
Of course, not everyone is on board. As the ritual’s popularity soared, so did the wave of online reactions-some playful, some critical.
That’s the internet for you. But in the middle of it all, one thing is clear: LeBron and the Lakers have sparked something that’s resonating far beyond the box score.
Meanwhile, as the Lakers sit in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 33-21 record, the team continues to build momentum. And while the standings tell one story, these moments of unity and fun tell another-one about chemistry, leadership, and the culture LeBron continues to cultivate in L.A.
Because whether it’s a chalk toss or a viral team ritual, when LeBron sets the tone, people follow.