LeBron James took credit for one of the coolest passes in recent NBA history. However, it is unclear as to whether it was actually on purpose. He is being accused of lying.
The pass in question took place during the Lakers’ game against the Nuggets on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Los Angeles brought the ball up the court. James cut inward from the three-point line.
Rui Hachimura threw a line drive pass into the middle that was intended for the greatest player of this generation. However, it barely touched James’ hands and went soaring over his head right to Anthony Davis under the hoop. The bang-bang play confused Aaron Gordon and allowed for the easy two.
If it was on purpose, it was incredible. Some major Jason Williams vibes.
The original poster shared a clip of the pass from Thursday with a compilation of other cool assists that LeBron James has made during his 20 years in the NBA. Its caption implied that it was an intentional touch pass to Davis. His career highlights were used to back up that claim.
James responded to the post and took credit. He says that it was on purpose.
After all this time I’m still proving them wrong! I mean you would think they know by now but you know when it comes to me.
— @KingJames on X
Is LeBron James lying?
Upon further review, a different video of Thursday’s dish leaves intent up for debate. An angle from under the hoop makes it look like James had the ball slip through his hands. His immediate reaction seems uncertain.
Lebron has had some incredible passes I believed it was intentional until I saw this angle. Unfortunately it wasn't pic.twitter.com/cxvl2Qc0pL
— NBA Shane (@Shane00) February 9, 2024
Now, the uncertainty on James’ could have stemmed from one of two things:
- He was not sure whether the pass to Davis would work.
- He felt panicked because Hachimura’s feed slipped right through his hands.
The baseline video appears to expose him in real time. But frame-by-frame video might tell a different story. There does appear to be a calculated flick of his right hand.
If you go frame-by-frame on that angle, it really looks like he's directing the ball to AD with his right hand. pic.twitter.com/yivQJi13C6
— LeBron History 🏀 (@bronhistory) February 9, 2024
Perhaps James dropped one of the best dimes of the season. It is LeBron James. He may have run into the box and asked the for the ball to clear the defense out of Davis’ way. That would be a great play.
Or — the ball slipped through his hands and he is taking credit for a lucky bounce. You make the call!