
USA Today via Reuters
Image Credits: USA Today Network Via Imagn Images

USA Today via Reuters
Image Credits: USA Today Network Via Imagn Images
It was a rather forgettable night for LeBron James. With Anthony Davis suffering an unfortunate injury in the first quarter, his team got blown out by the Sixers. But LBJ’s disappointing Philly trip ended on a wholesome note because of a heartwarming interaction with Allen Iverson’s mother, Ann.
It happened after the game while LeBron was heading out of the arena. That’s when he ran into Ann Iverson, who was proudly wearing her son’s Sixers jacket. Sure enough, both shared a long warm hug while Ann confessed to King James, “When you first got in, when y’all played and stuff, I didn’t care about seeing nobody but you. I’ll stand by the locker room and you’ll come out.”
Well, Ann is a huge Sixers fan, obviously because her son is a franchise legend. But she is also a sports fan. Her interaction with James brought forth an interesting new detail. Turns out, AI’s mom first saw LeBron play at the Palestra a year before he got drafted when his High School team faced Strawberry Mansion. Ann has been a fan ever since.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Of course, she wanted to etch this moment forever in her memory, which is why she brought James Gang’s family portrait to get it autographed by King James himself. As she handed him the pictures and a sharpie, Ann said, “You got a beautiful family. I’m so proud of you.” That’s when LBJ remembered that she missed out on meeting Bronny, to which Ann replied, “Yeah, I wanted him to sign it too. But you know, you the man.”
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Does LeBron James' heartfelt interaction with Ann Iverson highlight his status as a true NBA ambassador?
Absolutely, it shows his class
No, it's just a PR move
It's a nice gesture, but not significant
I'm not sure
Is Stephen A. Smith right to prioritize creative freedom over a lucrative ESPN contract?
Yes, freedom is priceless
No, money should come first
It's a risky move
Not sure

We Want to Know
You Better!
Participate in our 5 min
survey & Win $50 gift card
Do you think the NBA should intervene more in trade disputes like the Lakers-Hornets saga?
Yes, to ensure fairness
No, teams should handle it
Only if rules are broken
Not sure
Do you think Caitlin Clark's decision to skip the 3-point contest with Steph Curry was a mistake?
Yes, it robbed fans of a dream matchup
No, she should prioritize her WNBA debut
It's her choice, and we should respect it
Not sure
How do you feel about Inside The NBA parting ways with TNT after 40 years?
It's a sad end to an era
It's time for a change
Ernie Johnson will be missed
I'm indifferent
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
AD
A beautiful moment between LeBron and Ann Iverson, Allen’s mother. Ann is still very much a fan of the Sixers and the sport in general. Really cool to see. Allen first watched LeBron play at the Palestra back in 2002 when St. Vincent-St. Mary High School played Strawberry Mansion pic.twitter.com/LngByy7LxV
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) January 29, 2025
After LeBron autographed the memorabilia, he shared another warm hug with Ann and she said one final time, “I love you with all my heart. And I am so proud of you. I’m really proud of you.” A wholesome moment indeed. Of course, it should not come as a surprise because LBJ has always been an AI fan.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LeBron James once deemed Allen Iverson NBA’s “biggest influential” player alongside Stephen Curry
While James is always in the GOAT conversation, when you talk about cultural influence, there are a couple of players who might be ahead of him. Even the four-time champ acknowledged it on his podcast last year, “Steph and Allen Iverson are the two biggest influential guys in our game since I’ve been watching and covering… They were so relatable… Kids felt like they could be them.”
Obviously, Steph is the reason why every aspiring hooper shoots the ball from half-court. He was the one who truly brought the three-point revolution to the NBA. But decades earlier, it was Allen Iverson, whose unique style and exuberant personality made him a cultural phenomenon. Many players today, including LeBron, wore an arm sleeve during games because of him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Of course, AI has similar respect for LeBron’s greatness as he responded, saying, “It’s an honor for you to feel this way. Love you Lil Bro! Feels good to get the flowers while you can still smell them.” Well, they are two legends of the game, and it’s great to see that LeBron is not only on good terms with Iverson but also his mother. What are your thoughts?
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
LeBron calls AI and Steph the most influential—Do you agree with his take on NBA history?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
LeBron calls AI and Steph the most influential—Do you agree with his take on NBA history?
Have an interesting take?