In the high-intensity world of the NBA, some interactions can potentially warm the hearts of even the toughest individuals. One such incident occurred when LA Lakers superstar LeBron James held a press conference before Sunday’s All-Star game. During the conference, USA Today’s NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt asked LeBron the final question. And although athletes may not look their happiest when fulfilling media duties, Zillgitt’s mere presence seemed to have made LeBron’s day.

King James’s eyes seemingly lit up as he spotted Jeff Zillgitt in the press conference on Sunday. After the USA Today reporter asked his question, James exclaimed, “First of all, it’s f**king great to see you,” pointing enthusiastically at Zillgitt. “It’s so great to see you, Jeff. Love this. And the fact that you got the last question is even greater. You tried to hide in the back. I love that as well. Love you, man. Wow, it’s great to see you.”

Jeff Zillgitt is a seasoned NBA reporter (among other sports) and has been in the industry since 1995. Covering 14 NBA Finals, 7 Olympics, 7 World Series, 6 Super Bowls, and 6 Final Fours have been the highlights of his professional career. Further, he has conducted one-on-one interviews with basketball’s most influential participants, including Adam Silver, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. Throughout James’ monumental rise to the top, Zillgitt has been a consistent presence around him.

In 2015, reports circulated about Zillgitt’s battle with cancer. Guess who was one of the first people to publicly wish him a speedy recovery? None other than King James himself! “Wishing JZ – one of the good dudes I work with – a safe and healthy recovery from surgery. See you at camp, Champ!” he had shared on X.

James has long been a well-wisher for Zillgitt. Back in March 2023, LeBron tweeted about him again, calling him “one of the best in the business,” apart from wishing him well. This was when James was having to do some recovering himself after suffering a right foot tendon injury during a February game against the Dallas Mavericks.

As per the information available, Zillgitt was diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2015. He also developed multiple liver metastases five years after his cancer diagnosis. After undergoing surgery, he is now back to work, and LeBron James couldn’t have been happier. He may have missed the NBA All-Star Game Media Day on Saturday, but making up for it on Sunday led to their heartwarming interaction. And it made the weekend more special than it already was.

Moments like these prove once again that sport has the ability to transcend boundaries that seemingly define professional relationships. Considering their mutual respect and knowing that this interaction stemmed from a question Zillgitt posed, the 20-time All-Star didn’t leave the reporter hanging.

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An All-Star moment to remember

After their heartwarming exchange, James gave a thoughtful answer to Zillgitt’s question. He discussed the recent rise in high-scoring performances, attributing it to the league’s many great talents. He said, “Talent is talent, no matter what generation it is. 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s all the way until now. Talent is talent, and great basketball, and great scores are going to be great scores no matter what ear we’re in.” He even gave Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark a shoutout for breaking the all-time women’s NCAA scoring record.

“Once a great score gets going, there’s really nothing you can do. Once a guy’s in the zone, there’s nothing you can do. You see Caitlin the other night when she broke the record? There’s nothing you can do,” LeBron added. Seeing the series of events play out, the internet exploded with positive reactions to the warm interaction. Comments ranged from “LeGoodGuy” to “People love to hate on the great ones, but Lebron treats people well, good dad, gives back and has a bizarrely photographic memory.”

“It shows the power of kindness and how important it is to support one another. Moments like these remind us that athletes can also have a positive impact off the court. It’s great to see LeBron using his platform to spread positivity and uplift others,” wrote another. Even though LeBron’s Team West lost the All-Star Game to Team East, his pre-game interaction stole hearts and warmed everyone’s day. What do you think?

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