While there are plenty of great plays to choose from, the signature moment in the magnificent career of LeBron James may have come in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. With his Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors locked in offensive slumps, LeBron chased down Golden State’s Andre Iguodala, blocking what would have been a go-ahead layup and sparking the Cavaliers to victory. On Friday, LeBron was on the other side of a chasedown block, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
James and the Los Angeles Lakers were leading the Milwaukee Bucks by two points in the fourth quarter. Antetokounmpo dribbled the ball off of his foot. It went over to LeBron, who dribbled the length of the floor and went up for what he thought would be an easy layup. He was wrong.
Giannis quickly got back on defense and was there to reject LeBron’s shot.
Giannis with the chasedown block on LeBron.pic.twitter.com/tx2KSyFGPe
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 3, 2022
NBA fans had a strong reaction to the play involving the two superstars.
Giannis after blocking LeBron pic.twitter.com/nsjooEs3ZG
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) December 3, 2022
LeBron just got some of his own medicine – chase-down blocked by Giannis, who made LeBron eat it.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 3, 2022
Giannis with the chase down block on LeBron!
MY GOODNESS pic.twitter.com/A5JEM2y8c1
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 3, 2022
That Giannis block on LeBron… pic.twitter.com/kZJR9vyiRb
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) December 3, 2022
Dang Giannis what a chasedown block on LeBron
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 3, 2022
Despite the block, though, LeBron and the Lakers defeated the Bucks on Friday, winning 133-129. James narrowly missed a triple-double, scoring 28 points with 11 assists and eight rebounds. Anthony Davis led both teams in scoring with 44 and added 10 rebounds. Giannis, meanwhile, scored 40 points in the losing effort.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]