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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The MLB and NBA have historic connections that stem from decades ago. The most commonly known can be associated with none other than Michael Jordan. During his athletic peak 1993, Jordan retired from the NBA to pursue his passion for baseball. As a result, he signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox. Today, the thread between the two sports bridges is strong. Recently, amid a captivating scene at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Lakers star, LeBron James, basked in an evening of honour. The LA Dodgers orchestrated a special bobblehead night to pay homage to the King and family. While he didn’t command the ceremonial first pitch, the King’s aura graced the stadium.

It marked his first attendance at a Dodgers game since donning the Lakers’ colors. Yet, in the star’s presence, Mookie Betts etched the evening into memory for James. Betts’ thunderous hits resulted in two electrifying home runs. His tribute to James made the moment even sweeter. Upon crossing the home plate, Betts saluted LeBron. In a heartwarming gesture, LeBron returned the salute, uniting the realms of two sports in a shared celebration of greatness.

LeBron James acknowledges Betts through Instagram

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Almost four years ago, the Boston Red Sox made a trade that would linger as one of their most dubious decisions in franchise history. They sent Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Since then, Betts earned many awards including All-Star honors, Silver-Sluggers, and Gold-Gloves. Adding to the list is an impressive 20.9 Baseball-Reference WAR and a cherished second World Series championship. Meanwhile, the return Boston received has only worsened as time has passed.

via Getty

So when Mookie graced the ballpark that was once his own, the people were charged, and the air was magnetic. After a long-awaited span of 1,425 days, Mookie Betts was finally home. The Fenway Park welcomed him back with a heart-stirring ovation. The cheers resonated through the stands as a testament to Betts’s impact during his time with the Sox. The degree of celebration was so generous that it even reached LeBron James. Attuned to the moment’s gravity, James shared @dodgers’ video of the moment on his story, amplifying the significance of Betts’ homecoming.

James has been in Mookie’s position multiple times throughout his career. Despite that, The Akron Hammer has always supported athletes from other sports

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And when it comes to teams from his city, James tends to attend and cater to them personally.

Dodgers’ manager claims James was integral in Mookie’s best season outing

Former MVP Mookie Betts showcased his best form of the season at Dodger Stadium with LeBron James watching in the crowd. Facing the Miami Marlins in a doubleheader’s second game, Betts, a standout right-handed hitter, left a lasting impression. 

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Dave Roberts, Dodgers’ manager, suggested that Betts aimed to send a message to LeBron James, and he chose to do it through his exceptional performance. “I know you’re here in the house, and this is still my house, and I’m gonna put on a show,” Roberts said.

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Betts hit a home run off Braxton Gerret in the third inning, boosting the Dodgers to a 2-1 lead. He continued his spectacular display with another home run in the fifth inning. The Dodgers ultimately triumphed 3-1, thanks to Betts’s standout contributions.