LeBron James fired himself up for Tuesday’s game, and it wasn’t just about redemption. Sure, the Lakers had to shake off Sunday’s loss to the Clippers. And they did—Bron dropped 21 points and threw down a monster poster on Wizards’ big man Jonas Valanciunas. But the 40-year-old had something else fueling his fire.

The No. 8 seed Ohio State Buckeyes lit up Atlanta on Monday night, clinching their first national title since 2014. Adding to the excitement? NBA superstar and die-hard Buckeyes fan LeBron James was right there, soaking it all in. James was all in for Ohio State, cheering them on non-stop. After their 34-23 win over No. 7 seed Notre Dame, he couldn’t hold back. He hyped up the Buckeyes’ star QB and Offensive MVP, Will Howard, with some serious praise.

But as a 4-time NBA champion, surely watching his favorite team win a championship is an indescribable feeling. Speaking to the media after winning 111-88 against Washington on Tuesday, LeBron James shared his thoughts on witnessing Ohio State take the trophy after more than a decade.

“When you’re a supporter of a team for sure. I mean it was one. It was great to be there. I was there 10 years ago, I believe when they won it. Yeah, I was there in Dallas, we were in Dallas,” Bron recalls the time when Ohio won their last College Football championship in 2014. He was in Dallas to support the team, and as a die-hard fan, nothing much has changed over the years.

LeBron James added: “I wanted to be there yesterday with a lot of my family and friends. It was super cool to be able to have that moment. We just all die-hard Ohio State fans back home.” When asked what it feels like watching a team win a championship and if it inspires him, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar stated: “Anytime you see championship-caliber teams go out and play to a level of excellence is always inspiring. No matter who’s college, if it’s pros. Whatever the case may be, it’s always inspiring. So I’m always inspired by great.”

Well, it would’ve been more fun for Bron had his friends and family been there with him in Atlanta to watch Ohio State take over Penn State. James Sr. might have a little regret as he watched history unfold on Monday night.

But, coming back to the NBA, Ohio’s championship-winning saga could be the ultimate inspiration for the All-Time Top Scorer to aim for the 18x Larry O’Brien for the Purple and Gold. Meanwhile, the basketball legend made his opinions clear about the College Football Champion Will Howard, who played an iconic game to push Ohio ahead.

LeBron James expresses his thoughts on Will Howard as Ohio State wins CFP national championship

LeBron James and Ohio State go way back. Growing up in Akron and spending years in Cleveland, his Buckeye pride runs deep. On the “New Heights” podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, he spilled a fun fact—before jumping straight to the NBA, Ohio State’s former coach Jim Tressel tried to recruit him for both football and basketball. Back at St. Vincent-St. Mary, LeBron wasn’t just a hoops star; he was a beast on the football field too. Imagine if he had suited up in Columbus!

Now, as LeBron watched Ohio State’s QB Will Howard deliver his finest performance on Monday against Notre Dame, he couldn’t hold back his sentiments. In fact, Howard was on fire throughout the College Football Playoff. Ultimately, he wrapped it up in style against Notre Dame, completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and even adding 57 rushing yards. Not surprisingly, his epic performance didn’t go unnoticed—after all, one of the greatest athletes ever was watching.

Bron expressed: “It’s good to be a Buckeye fan … The MVP of the game is the whole [explicit] Ohio State ball club, like seriously … Will Howard.” James said. “Will Howard managed the game. He was unbelievable from start to finish. Like, we know as Buckeye nation, when Will Howard goes, we go. And Will Howard was unbelievable. Shoutout to Will Howard—you were unbelievable, brother.”

LeBron’s love for Ohio State runs deep, and with this championship win, the legacy only grows stronger. Whether he’s courtside or on the sidelines, he’s always cheering loud and proud. Inspired by watching his favorite team win, the superstar is already thinking ahead to his 22nd NBA season. More importantly, he’s making one thing clear— the LA Lakers are focused on winning it all this season, and Bron is ready to play his part!