LeBron James MMA jokes flood social media after Lakers exit
MMA promotions jumped on the LeBron James free agency circus this week with mock announcements claiming the 41-year-old NBA legend was trading the hardwood for the cage.
James officially parted ways with the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, including a 2020 championship run during the COVID-19 outbreak, according to MMA Mania. The four-time NBA champion now enters his 24th professional season as a free agent, with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks reportedly in the mix.
MMA world cracks LeBron James jokes
Social media accounts for MMA organizations and fans posted fabricated signing announcements throughout the week. One read, per MMA Mania: "LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH THE MMA! After months of contract negotiations, LeBron has decided to take his talents from the hardwood to the cage. Sources say his first goal is becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion." Another claimed James had joined ONE Championship, while French promotion Hexagone MMA crafted a lengthy release calling the move "as unexpected as it is explosive."
The joke posts highlight the global reach of James, who continues to perform at an elite level despite his age. MMA Mania noted that a younger version of the 6-foot-9 athlete might have leveraged his size and explosiveness in combat sports, but that window has closed.
James remains focused on joining a contender capable of delivering another championship before he retires.
Original reporting:
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