Denzel Washington made sure to show love to LeBron James ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers game on Thursday (Feb. 5).
In a video circulating on social media, Washington was seen courtside as the game was about start when he decided to get up and walk around the edges of the court to show his appreciation for James. The two-time Oscar winner is a lifelong Lakers fan, and he caught James’ attention after walking straight up to him. The NBA legend smiled and gave Washington a hug in a brief but touching moment, and then the actor returned to his courtside seat.
Bron, who went on to score 17 points in 37 minutes of play, has overcome sciatica to play in his 23rd consecutive season, but only just picked for his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection, where he has been picked as a reserve. Despite the discussion surrounding his selection, whether he deserves it or whether he should have been on one of the main All-Star teams, James said he’s appreciative regardless after missing the game last year due to an injury.
“The coaches voted, right, so mad respect to the coaches and them seeing the way I’m still playing at this latter stage of my career,” James said. “And to be able to be an All-Star means a lot to my family, people that have been following my career, my LeBron faithful. They’ve been following my journey and it’s always rewarding just from a humbling standpoint to be able to be rewarded for what you put your work into.”
There was also a rumor circulating last month that Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss’ relationship with James had soured, and that she was considering trading him to the Los Angeles Clippers. She denied the rumors, but there’s been a lot of negative press amid James’ landmark season.
“It’s really not right, given all the great things LeBron has done for the Lakers, that he has to be pulled into my family drama,” Buss said. “To say that it wasn’t appreciated is just not true and completely unfair to him.”
