LeBron James, already a lightning rod for criticism among conservatives due to his outspoken protests during the National Anthem and on-court theatrics, once again became the butt of online ridicule after a recent game against the Boston Celtics. Known for his dramatic flopping on the court, the NBA superstar delivered yet another performance that left fans shaking their heads and mocking him on social media.
The incident took place on March 8th during a close game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Celtics. With the game hanging in the balance, Celtics star Jayson Tatum made his move, blowing past LeBron for an easy layup. The contact was minimal—barely a graze—but in classic LeBron fashion, he tried to sell it to the refs like it was a major foul. The result? A dramatic and utterly embarrassing flop that had the internet in stitches.
LeBron’s acting skills were on full display as he exaggerated the minimal contact by dramatically jerking his upper body backward, clutching his chin as if he’d been struck by a freight train. He then collapsed to the ground, kneeling in an attempt to draw a foul on Tatum. The delay and lack of real contact made it clear: this wasn’t a genuine reaction to a hit—it was a manufactured act to try and influence the refs.
As expected, the internet didn’t hold back. Twitter (or X, as it’s now known) erupted with mocking comments, with many users pointing out how this latest flop further tarnished LeBron’s image. One user wrote, “Don’t ever compare this man to Jordan again,” referring to Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champion and widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history.
Don’t ever compare this man to Jordan again pic.twitter.com/Il9ccLztkt
— S&N News, Politics and Sports (@Samantha_SN1) March 9, 2025
Another user shared the flop clip, sarcastically asking, “LOL, this is your GOAT?”—casting serious doubt on LeBron’s claim to the title of the greatest of all time. One critic went even further, saying, “This is why I could never put him above MJ or Kobe,” referring to the late, great Kobe Bryant, who also racked up five championships without resorting to such theatrics.
LOL this is your GOAT? https://t.co/ByGkTWJQEA
— dave (@klkdave) March 9, 2025
The comparisons to soccer players, known for their own dramatic flops, were inevitable. One critic said, “LeFlop, flopping as always. He’s worse than soccer players,” referencing the notorious dives seen on soccer fields. It seems LeBron’s dramatic style might be better suited to a career change—perhaps he should consider switching to soccer, where flopping is often rewarded with fouls or cards.
While the flop was certainly embarrassing, it was far from surprising for anyone who has followed LeBron’s career. This is the same player who, despite his incredible scoring records, has long been known for embellishing contact to get calls. And for those who question his respect for the game, this incident is just another example of how far LeBron is willing to go to manipulate the rules in his favor.
To add insult to injury, LeBron left the game with 6:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, citing a “groin injury.” ESPN reported that James downplayed the injury, saying there was “not much concern” and that he would go “day to day.” However, some sources suggest that LeBron may be sidelined for weeks, not days. The timing of this injury, combined with his recent flop, raises more questions about his durability and future in the league.
LeBron James may be the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, but his legacy is increasingly being overshadowed by his on-court antics and behavior. While his flopping continues to draw laughs, it also serves as a reminder that no amount of scoring titles can erase the theatrics and controversies that often define his career.