LeBron James shares wholesome moment with favorite NFL star Derrick Henry after thrilling Lakers win

LeBron James and Derrick Henry might rule different sports, but on Wednesday night in Dallas, both kings shared the crown in an unforgettable NBA showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. What started as Luka Doncic’s emotional return to his former home court quickly turned into a night defined not only by basketball brilliance but also by a powerful display of mutual respect between two of the most dominant athletes in their respective leagues.

While Doncic delivered a jaw-dropping 45-point performance against his former team, LeBron James reminded the world why he’s still at the top of his game, contributing 27 points to help secure a signature road win for the Lakers. Yet, the buzz following the game extended far beyond the hardwood.
NFL superstar and Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry was in attendance, adding star power to an already packed crowd that included Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, journalist Taylor Rooks, and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But it was Henry’s backstage meet-up with James that became one of the night’s most heartwarming moments.
Shortly after the final buzzer, Henry shared a photo of himself with LeBron, writing on X (formerly Twitter), "GOAT JAMES. I appreciate the love always my g. 1/1." The post went viral almost instantly, sparking conversations across both NFL and NBA fandoms.

LeBron, a lifelong football fan who once considered pursuing an NFL career, had nothing but praise for the Ravens star. “I’ve said over and over that King Henry is my favorite player in the National Football League,” James said postgame. That level of admiration from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer is no small gesture. And while he made sure to acknowledge Patrick Mahomes as “the best player in football,” his glowing endorsement of Henry felt personal and heartfelt.
Henry, who joined the Ravens this season after a surprising move from the Tennessee Titans, has been nothing short of phenomenal. With 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his debut year with Baltimore, he's not just living up to expectations—he’s redefining them. LeBron’s shoutout felt like a salute to more than just stats; it was a recognition of greatness in motion.
It’s rare to see this kind of cross-sport appreciation play out in such an authentic, unscripted way. And it was good to see such moments out there.
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