Overview
- The airballed layup came late in the third quarter, with broadcast cameras capturing LeBron James and the bench breaking into laughter.
- LeBron told Maxi Kleber he "sparked us," according to The Athletic via Bleacher Report, calling the play hilarious and unprecedented.
- Austin Reaves and Jake LaRavia said the moment let the group relax and lock back in, with head coach JJ Redick describing it as a team-building beat.
- Los Angeles maintained control throughout and closed out a 133-121 win over New Orleans, ending a brief scoreless stretch as Kleber hit ensuing free throws.
- Kleber’s role remained unchanged after the incident, and LeBron—who sat out to manage a foot issue—is expected to be available for upcoming games.