While the NFL world is getting ready for next week’s 2026 NFL Draft (and reacting to surprise blockbuster trades), a number of past and present NFL stars were tuning into the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round game against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.
And anyone who watched saw the same thing: LeBron James taking over and leading Los Angeles to a 107-98 Game 1 victory despite playing without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
James played out of his mind, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, a block, and a 3-pointer while shooting 60% from the field and 50% from 3-point range in the win.
NFL World Reacts to LeBron James and the Lakers’ Game 1 Victory
James often reacts live to NFL games, as he’s a supporter of the Cleveland Browns. Tonight, it was NFL stars reacting to his performance.
Dallas Cowboys legend Dez Bryant shared a video of LeBron and his son, Bronny James, on the Crypto.com Arena court at the same time.
“Dope sh*t!!” Bryant posted on X.
Three-time Super Bowl champion and “Nightcap” host Shannon Sharpe is a big Lakers fan, so he was getting frustrated with the team’s missed free throws during Saturday night’s game.
“Lakers make your d free throws,” Sharpe posted on X, and he had a point as Los Angeles made just 17-of-26 (65%) of their free throws on Saturday.
Lakers make your d free throws. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 19, 2026
James took on the role of facilitator in Game 1, running the offense and getting his teammates involved. In fact, his 10 first-half assists were tied for James’ most in any half of his postseason career.
James’ teammates shot 10-for-13 (77%) off his passes, the third-highest field goal percentage (minimum 10 field goals attempted) in any playoff half since ESPN began tracking assist opportunities in 2014.
Baltimore Ravens star Kyle Hamilton took note of how much James was distributing the ball as well. Hamilton posted on X, “It’s crazy that the best passer of the basketball of all time also has the most points all time.”
It’s crazy that the best passer of the basketball of all time also has the most points all time
— Kyle Hamilton (@kyledhamilton_) April 19, 2026
Prior to the game, former NFL defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko had warned James that he better win this game since Kevin Durant was sidelined with a knee contusion.
“If you can’t get out the first round against Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, & Reed Sheppard respectfully you not in MJ and Kobe convos,” Fehoko posted on X.
If you can’t get out the first round against Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, & Reed Sheppard respectfully you not in MJ and Kobe convos.
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) April 18, 2026
James and the Lakers obviously took care of business at home in Game 1. Game 2 between these teams will tip-off on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles is hoping that if this series extends long, Dončić could potentially return to give James and Co. a major boost.
“They’ve not given an official timetable, they just said he was out for the regular season,” Lakers insider Jovan Buha said prior to Game 1. “Then, he went overseas to Spain to get some treatment that maybe isn’t given in the United States. He just came back to LA today actually and rejoined the team and will be there for Game 1.
“Typically a Grade 2 hamstring is about three-to-six weeks. So, there’s a chance maybe he comes back in the middle of the series. But also with a hamstring, you got to be careful.”
