Phil Knight watched LeBron James break scoring record among a sea of phones in iconic photo
This photo of LeBron James passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA's scoring record is incredible
Just about everyone sitting behind the basket at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night wanted to capture the moment for themselves.
Everyone, that is, except for Phil Knight.
The iconic Nike founder was sitting with LeBron James’ two sons underneath the rim as James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and became the NBA’s all-time scoring leader in Los Angeles.
The game stopped immediately after James hit a fadeaway bucket from the top of the key, which sparked a celebration that undoubtedly fit the moment near the end of the third quarter of the Lakers’ 130-133 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While there were plenty of incredible moments to come out of Tuesday night, it was a photo of James’ shot to break the record that turned heads.
Just about every single person in the stands had their phone out — except for Knight. He was just sitting calmly with his hands in his lap, watching the moment live.
THIS PHOTO.
HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/qirvlCifG5— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 8, 2023
Incredible.
Now, it’s hard to blame fans for wanting the shot recorded. James snapped a record that stood for nearly 40 years, after all. It’s one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.
But the photo itself, with Knight just living in the moment, is priceless.
After the game, James asked his sons, Bronny and Bryce, about sitting next to Knight.
Bronny and Bryce are hanging out in the Lakers locker room chatting with their dad.
LeBron to Bronny: “Y’all were sitting next to Phil Knight, right? He try to recruit you to Oregon?”
Bronny says no, but I’m sure @billoram will continue to wonder.— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 8, 2023