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LeBron James got a rude welcome to the 2023 season thanks to a block from Nuggets guard Christian Braun. The second-year player viciously swatted an LBJ shot in the second quarter of action.
Clips of that blocked attempt have now gone viral as NBA fans get ready for the season to come.
@houseofhighlights Christian Braun SWATS LeBron’s shot attempt. 👀🤯 #nba #basketball #lebron #lakers #nuggets ♬ original sound – House of Highlights
As James drove to the rim early in that second period, Braun caught him from behind, sending the shot flying into the front row of the stands.
Braun averaged just 0.2 blocks per game as a rookie, and he was +270 to record a rejection on Tuesday. He did in a big way, however, even if it was his only swat on the night.
Fans were quick to react on social media.
“CHRISTIAN BRAUN BLOCKS LEBRON OH MY!”
“LeBron got swatted by Christian Braun. The GOAT is washed.”
“CHRISTIAN BRAUN says welcome to Block City!”
Christian Braun after blocking Lebron: pic.twitter.com/LX2shtDqZs
— Joy De’Angela (@joydeangela) October 25, 2023
While Lebron James did tally a team-high 21 points in the opener, it was an up and down performance, and that Christian Braun block wasn’t necessary the lowlight.
This missed three-point attempt off the side of the backboard looked more like a Shedeur Sanders shootaround attempt as opposed to a shot from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
@bleacherreport #lebron #lebronjames #lakers #nba ♬ original sound – bleacherreport
He also caught an elbow from Braun later in the game and got crossed up by a different Nuggets player that caused him to fall to the floor.
James only went to the free throw line once in the contest, though he was efficient from the field shooting 10-for-16 on the night. His 21 points weren’t enough, though, as the Lakers fell to the Nuggets 119-107.