The internet has seen its fair share of basketball photos, but some images are untouchable. That’s what made Saturday night’s snapshot of Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić so controversial.
The duo recreated one of the most legendary NBA photos of all time — James and Dwyane Wade in Miami Heat jerseys, with Wade throwing a lob as James soared in for a dunk. But the fans? Well, let’s just say not everyone was down with it.
NBA Fans Lose It Over LeBron James-Luka Dončić Viral Photo
Lakers fans loved it. NBA purists? Not so much.
When the team’s social media account posted the now-viral image of Dončić tossing up a flashy no-look pass to a trailing James for a slam, the reactions were instant — and brutal.
“Shouldn’t even exist,” one fan wrote, rejecting the comparison to the iconic Miami Heat moment.
Others piled on, calling it a weak attempt to mimic history.
“Not even close,” another replied.
That Wade-James photo? It’s the gold standard. Wade with his arms outstretched in celebration, James mid-flight for a finish — a perfect snapshot of an era.
So when the Lakers tried to paint Saturday’s moment as a spiritual successor, some fans weren’t having it.
“Lol coulda just said they had their own iconic photo together,” one user clapped back.
Still, even the critics had to admit that it was a sick play. A full-court steal, a flashy dish, a thunderous dunk. Classic Hollywood basketball.
Lakers Steam Roll With Victory
In the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies, Dončić read the play. He picked off a pass and raced toward the hoop. His options? Lay it in, kick it to a teammate, or go for style points. He chose to ride in style.
Without even looking, Dončić flicked the ball over his shoulder to James, who caught it in stride and hammered it home. The Lakers bench went wild. The crowd gasped. And just like that, a moment was born.
Los Angeles needed that energy, too. The team built a 20-point lead early, only to watch it evaporate late. Austin Reaves stepped up with 31 points and eight assists, Dončić added 29 with nine assists, and James finished with 25 to help close out a 134-127 win over Memphis.
The Grizzlies, adjusting after parting ways with coach Taylor Jenkins, fought back behind Desmond Bane’s 29 points and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 24, but it wasn’t enough.
As for the photo? Love it or hate it, it’s already burned into NBA Twitter’s memory. And if this Lakers team makes a deep playoff run, that shot might carry more weight. For now, it’s just a flashy moment, a heated debate, and a reminder that some images in NBA history can’t be touched.
