LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has seemingly done it all in his storied 18-year NBA career. However, on Tuesday night, James delivered a highlight against the Houston Rockets worthy of Stephen Curry.
James lined up a corner 3-pointer, took the shot, and then turned toward the Lakers bench and stared them down immediately after taking it. Sure enough, the shot splashed through the net. The bench rejoiced and James seemed quite amped about drilling the bucket as well.
After the game, the King spoke out about how the “Curry no-look” move transpired. Surprisingly, it involved a bet with new Lakers guard Dennis Schröder:
My teammate [Dennis Schroder] hit me with a bet on the sidelines and I took the bet while I was still shooting the ball.”
LeBron James on his no-look 3-pointer.
(via @RyanWardLA)pic.twitter.com/i4jur9drTW
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) January 13, 2021
According to LeBron James, Schroder shouted out “bet you won’t make it” as he was gearing up to shoot the fairly lightly contested triple. Of course, a bet must be confirmed by either a handshake or “looking someone in the eye,” per the Lakers star.
So after taking the shot, he turned to Schroder, looked him in the eye and said “bet it.”
Because of the overwhelming theatricality of this highlight, there is no question that this will be one that will be replayed many, many times throughout the year–and likely for years to come as the Lakers champion inches ever close to retirement.
Of course, that still seems a long way since James is still the reigning NBA Finals MVP. He certainly didn’t look any worse for wear in the game, as he piled up 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists on the way to a comfortable 117-100 Lakers win.
As James might say, “bet it.”
