LeBron James isn’t just legendary on the court. His natural humor turned the four-time NBA Champion into a meme king.
While some public figures and celebrities do a bit too much to become social media hits, James is usually just being himself. Fans enjoy his authentic personality and even use “Le” at the beginning of every word as a play on his name. From simply walking out of a press conference to getting excited about Taco Tuesday, here are the best “Le-Memes.”
When LeBron was smiling through it all and was so grateful for his life
In 2018, LeBron posted this picture and caption on his Instagram story as a response to being told to “shut up and dribble,” and it’s now inescapable. From celebrities and even his own children recreating the pose to social media users using it as a reaction for anything, I can’t help but giggle every time I see it.
It even inspired a line in Gracie Abrams’ hit song “That’s So True.”
Remember when Taco Tuesdays at LeBron’s house were a thing?
Yes, I’m aware that Taco Tuesday existed before the legend started posting his videos, but he really had the sports community and fans hyped about it.
He used to post clips around 2018 and even collaborated with Taco Bell at one point. James also tried to file a trademark for Taco Tuesday after making it even more popular, but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office denied it.
Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals had two popular James moments
Sometimes all it takes is one mistake to lose a game, and in this case, that turned into a classic James moment. Former Cleveland Cavaliers player J.R. Smith dribbled the ball out with a few seconds left on the clock. Cleveland was tied 107-107 with the Golden State Warriors, and the game headed into overtime. LeBron was confused, as there was enough time left to try to score and win the game.
Even walking out of a press conference is meme-able
I’ve seen this being used as a reaction for everything from “me walking out of someone’s life” to “me walking away from drama.” James walked out of this conference after becoming frustrated with reporters asking the same questions about a mistake that cost his team a win in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals.
When he decided to pick up Wendell Carter Jr.’s goggles and try them on during a game
During a game against the Orlando Magic in December 2021, former Lakers center Dwight Howard was trying to save a ball from going out of bounds. It ended up hitting Wendell Carter Jr., and his goggles broke, sending them to the ground.
LeBron decided to pick it up and wear it. It turned into a viral clip that’s funnier than it should’ve been.
Photo credit: Instagram story/@kingjames, 2018, NBA Finals Game 1 , 2018
