The wedding bells have rung for NBA journalists Malika Andrews and Dave McMenamin! Taking their marital vows at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, the power couple chose August 24, as their special day. This day is very dear to all hoop lovers, commemorating the legendary Kobe Bryant. But before we get to that story, did you know LeBron James is also a part-time cupid?

Yes, you read it right. It seems King James completes his side quests, that too unknowingly! Who knew the King of the Court could become Venus’ naughty, match-maker son? But it is what it is. A major credit for Malika Andrews and McMenamin’s courtship that led to marriage goes to the veteran Laker. Had it not been for that one particular interview, the NBA would’ve not found its lovebirds.

Thanks to LeBron James, when Dave was stunned by a young rookie in 2017

Having established herself so quickly in the world of broadcast sports journalists, it’s hard to believe Malika Andrews started just seven years ago. Surprisingly, when she was just a rookie in the field, back in 2017, she met David McMenamin, aka Dave. One of the icons in NBA broadcasting and journalism, McMenamin has been around since 2009. Little did he know that the woman he had just met had been following his work for years. Dave has been a LeBron James exclusive reporter since 2014. From his second stint with the Cavaliers to his current stint with the Lakers, the veteran has seen it all.

Andrews and McMenamin met at Madison Square Garden in November 2017 while covering a game between the Knicks and the Cavs. Back then, Malika was working for the NY Times. After a pregame practice session in the morning, she interviewed LeBron. Dave was in his fourth season covering King James. He was shocked to see how easily the rookie girl conducted the conversation. Usually, reporters don’t that the one-on-one interviews with the players, so this was also new for Dave McMenamin.

“It seemed like there was a good rapport between the two of them,” the veteran shared. However, he was curious to know what was going on, especially because he was reporting James.

“So I kind of made a note, like, ‘OK, who is that girl?'” McMenamin recalled, via NY Times. Later that day, just before the game, Malika talked with veteran basketball reporter Howard Beck. Dave, who was friends with Beck, approached them, knowing Beck would introduce him to Andrews. And well, the rest gradually became history.

Well, LeBron James might not be the direct matchmaker in this case, but his being unconsciously present in the moment did wonder. And yes, maybe the lovely couple would always be secretly grateful to King LeBron! Had he not been around, who knows what would’ve happened?

Meanwhile, with the blessings of LeBron James and others, McMenamin and Andrews pronounced each other husband and wife before a crowd of the closest ones. More importantly, they chose to get married on August 24, Kobe Bryant Day.

Dave McMenamin and Malika Andrews’ special pick of the wedding date

A month after the whole LeBron James interview and formal introduction with Malika Andrews, Dave decided he should meet her again. He asked her to meet him and after the plans were set, Malika wanted to know, “Is it a date?”

McMenamin didn’t say it back then, but yes, it was a date… Their eventful day began at Bryant Park in early December, when Christmas decorations, including the nearby Rockefeller Center tree, enlivened the area. The day/date went on for several hours, by the end of which the now-married couple somewhat knew what they were looking for.

It remains unclear why the Andrew-McMenamin power duo chose Aug 24, as their special day. Could this be their secret tribute to the Mamba? Or is it because they met at ‘Bryant’ Park? Well, the resemblance in the names is indeed striking. But of course, given the fact that both of them are NBA reporters, something special of this sort could’ve been foreseen. Especially with the whole Kobe Bryant Day scene, it feels more like a planned thing than random. So, what is Kobe Bryant Day?

Since 2016, following the retirement of the Mamba, former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti officially declared Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day. The date honors Bryant’s two jersey numbers from his 20-year Hall of Fame career. He won 5 Championships with the Lakers. Bryant was celebrated for his on-court talent and his philanthropy. His work focused on improving the lives of underprivileged youth and encouraging them to stay active through sports. And since Bryant’s sad and untimely demise in 2020, this day has become dearer to his fans and family.

Malika Andrews and Dave McMenamin married on this special yet somber day to express their silent gratitude to the legend of the sport. And all thanks to LeBron James for, unknowingly, aiming the arrows of love in the right direction- the perfect Cupid!

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger