The new NBA season is around the corner, but LeBron James just received recognition that goes beyond any box score. At 40 years old, the Lakers superstar is still adding milestones, this time with a jacket and a caption that made waves across the basketball world.
“We In The Hall Baby!”
LeBron is no stranger to accolades, but even he seemed moved when posting his latest achievement. Sharing a photo of his Hall of Fame jacket, he wrote: “We In The Hall Baby!!!!! Ayyyyyyeeeew 🙌🏾👑.”
The reactions were instant. Fans poured in with admiration and celebratory messages:
- “Easiest call ever made. Well deserved 👑🔥.”
- “Hall of Fame while u still playing is INSANE 👑.”
- “Goat debate over.”
What makes this moment unique is that James is only the second active player ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, joining Chris Paul.
The Redeem Team Legacy
The honor came as the entire 2008 “Redeem Team” roster was inducted, a group widely credited with restoring U.S. dominance in international basketball after a disappointing bronze in 2004.
That squad featured Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, and James himself, under the leadership of Mike Krzyzewski. LeBron has often reflected on Bryant’s role in particular:
“He was the missing link we needed in order to regain dominance with Team USA,” James said of the late Lakers legend.
The Redeem Team steamrolled its way through Beijing, undefeated in group play, crushing Argentina by 20 in the semifinals, and finishing with a high-octane 118–107 win over Spain in the gold medal game. Their performance didn’t just bring home gold; it revitalized the pride and standard of American basketball.
A Career Still Going
LeBron’s induction doesn’t mean the story is over. Far from it. Entering his 23rd season, James remains the NBA’s oldest active player and he continues to produce at an elite level. Last year, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists while playing 70 games.
This season carries even more intrigue. Not only will it be his second year sharing the court with son Bronny James, but it will also mark his first full season alongside new Lakers star Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles opens the year on October 21 against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, followed by a rematch with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team that bounced them in last year’s playoffs.