(Video) Denzel Washington Walks Across Lakers Court to Hug LeBron James

Denzel Washington has been a massive fan of the Lakers for over four decades.

(Video) Denzel Washington Walks Across Lakers Court to Hug LeBron James

LeBron James and Denzel Washington shared a moment (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, made a victorious return to Los Angeles after a long eight-game road trip. The Lakers recorded a closely fought 119-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. It was the first game of their eight-game home stretch.

With Luka Doncic suffering a hamstring injury in the first half, the Lakers will be hoping it is not a serious injury as they look to build on their home record this season. It was just their 13th win in 21 games at home.

The win propelled them to fifth place in the Western Conference standings with a 31-19 record. Meanwhile, the 76ers, who are coming off a setback of their own, dropped to 29-22 and sit at sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.

After the exit of Doncic, it was up to LeBron James and a returning Austin Reaves to take up the offensive workload. James has been on a good run of form since turning 41, while he did struggle with his scoring on Thursday scoring just 17 points, he did record a double double as he had 10 assists to his name. But it was Reaves who stole the show with a game-high 35 points off the bench in just 25 minutes.

There have been several reports regarding James’ future with the Lakers at the end of the season. Currently in a record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA, James is averaging 21.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.

While Doncic is the center of this Lakers team, James continues to be the biggest figure in the Lakers. Lakers games often see several celebrities courtside whenever they are in action. And Thursday night was no different as one of the biggest Hollywood stars Denzel Washington made an appearance.

The 71-year-old star was seen walking across the court towards the Lakers’ bench. He headed towards James to greet and hug the four-time champion.

Washington has been an avid fan of the Lakers since the Magic Johnson days. He is often seen courtside during their games and has supported them through every era.

Fans react to Denzel Washington and LeBron James hugging courtside

Both Washington and James share a good relationship off the court and are big fans of each other. The viral video of the two hugging was quick to go viral across social and the internet could not keep its calm.

Fans were happy to see two legends of their respective fields hugging it out and having respect for each other. The win would have made Washington a lot happier as well.

LeBron James’ All-Star streak continues

When the All-Star starters were announced last week, one name was omitted that caught everyone’s eye. After 21 straight years of being named as a starter, James missed the cut this time. His teammates Doncic, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama were chosen as starters from the Western Conference.

The fan vote accounted for 50% of the selection process, along with a survey of NBA players and a media panel, and to no surprise, Doncic took center stage, winning the fan poll by almost 200,000 votes. But James’ popularity is second to none.

LeBron James passing the ball
LeBron James (Image via Esto en Linea/X)

In the end, James was selected as an All-Star on Monday night for the 22nd straight season, extending his remarkable streak. James will be joining Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and others as teammates as part of a new format for the NBA All-Star Game.

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