A heartwarming and unexpected moment featuring basketball icon LeBron James and his mother has taken the internet by storm, showcasing a personal side of the NBA legend rarely seen on camera. The adorable clip, which surfaced ahead of the Tuesday release of a new episode of 'Mind The Game' podcast hosted by James and JJ Redick, features LeBron answering a call from his mother, Gloria Marie James, during the recording.
The Viral Mother-Son Interaction
In the now-viral video, LeBron James is seen mid-interview when his phone rings. Upon seeing it's his mother, he immediately picks up, demonstrating his priority for family. "Mom, I am shooting a podcast. I will call you back," he says gently. The host, former NBA star Steve Nash, who was part of this particular episode, chimes in warmly, greeting Gloria with a "What's up, Mom?"
LeBron then turns his phone to reveal his mother on a video call, much to her delight. An excited Gloria James can be heard asking Steve Nash to include the spontaneous moment in the final interview. Nash playfully promised, "You're gonna be our guest soon." The brief but touching conversation concluded with LeBron saying, "Okay, love you. Stay warm out there. I will call you later. Alright, bye," before returning to the podcast.
Fans React with Wholesome Praise
The clip spread like wildfire across social media platforms, with fans overwhelmingly praising LeBron James for his down-to-earth and respectful response. The NBA superstar was quickly and affectionately dubbed a "Mama's boy" by the online community, with countless comments accompanied by red heart emojis.
One fan, Tolani Alli, highlighted LeBron's cheerful expression, writing, "Love how he's Chessing while talking to her. Forever a Mama's Boy." Another user, KojoCobby, stated a simple life rule: "When mom calls, you answer. Very simple." The sentiment was echoed by others who believed a mother's call should always be taken, regardless of the situation.
The official account of the Mind The Game Podcast joined the fun, replying to a comment with a laughing emoji and the words, "He better!" when a fan pointed out he took the call during an interview.
Gloria James: The Pillar Behind the Legend
The viral moment shines a light on the profound bond between LeBron and his mother, Gloria, who has been his rock since childhood. LeBron James was raised solely by his mother in Akron, Ohio, after his father left due to a criminal record. Gloria was just 16 years old when she had LeBron.
Despite facing significant challenges, Gloria James worked tirelessly to provide stability for her son. It was through a local youth sports coach, Frank Walker, that a nine-year-old LeBron was first introduced to basketball, setting him on the path to becoming a global sports icon. This viral podcast snippet is a testament to the enduring strength of their relationship, built on mutual love and respect forged through difficult early years.
The full episode of the Mind The Game podcast featuring this interaction and the conversation with Steve Nash is scheduled for release on Tuesday, promising more insights from the basketball greats.
