NBA legend LeBron James left fans stunned after debuting a bizarre new handshake with Philadelphia 76ers teammate Joel Embiid on Thursday evening.
James and the 76ers took to the court for their second game of the NBA season, where they sealed a stunning comeback win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Philadelphia managed to rally back after falling to a 29-point deficit against Cleveland, with James, 41, picking up 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on the night.
Though the impressive comeback stole most of the headlines on the night, some fans couldn’t help but discuss James’ odd pregame handshake with Embiid.
The handshake – as seen in a viral clip posted by the NBA – involved the two stars slapping their hands together before moving in a wiggle dance move.
The bizarre interaction instantly caught attention on social media, with fans taking the opportunity to poke fun at the four-time NBA champion.
LeBron James left fans stunned after debuting a bizarre handshake with Joel Embiid
The bizarre handshake came moments before the 76ers clash against the Cavaliers
Taking to X, one fan wrote: ‘Nah man LeBron James and Joel Embiid’s new handshake is DIABOLICAL.’
Another wrote: ‘Bron you getting too old for this s*** man.’
Similarly, one fan said: ‘Cringe af… imagine being 42 and doing that.’
‘Lmaoooo they gotta put this handshake under review ngl,’ another said online.
‘Man what, they need a different handshake smh,’ one fan added.
The bizarre incident came amid the ongoing firestorm surrounding James and his behavior during national anthem renditions – which drew the ire of Donald Trump.
Earlier this week, footage of the Philadelphia 76ers star quickly went viral after their victory over the NBA champion New York Knicks on the first day of the new season.
It showed James pretending to swing a golf club and practicing his free throw technique while The Star-Spangled Banner was sung at Madison Square Garden.
Trump, a longtime critic of James, lashed out at the NBA legend in an explosive Truth Social post on Thursday.
James faced backlash in recent days regarding his behavior during national anthem renditions
Trump blasted James for practicing his golf swing during the national anthem on Tuesday
‘While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,’ the president said. ‘LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!’
James, 41, was asked about the president’s comments following the 76ers’ stunning win over the Cavaliers. ‘It must be a slow news day at the office, you know,’ he said.
Trump doubled down on his criticism of the NBA superstar during a rally in Iowa on Thursday night.
‘During the national anthem, he’s practicing his golf swing… what the hell is that?’ he said, while the crowd booed James. ‘It’s a big scandal… what it’s all about? I don’t understand it.’
The comments mark the latest chapter in a long-standing feud between the four-time NBA champion and Trump, which dates back to James labeling him a ‘bum’ in 2017.
