In a stunning display of sportsmanship, LeBron James did not shake hands with the Memphis Grizzlies after eliminating them from the playoffs in 2023. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans applauding the superstar’s competitive edge, while others see it as disrespectful and petty.
It was a hard-fought series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Grizzlies, and tensions were high as the two teams battled it out on the court. The Lakers ultimately prevailed, winning the series 4-2 and advancing to the next round of the playoffs.
As tradition would dictate, the customary post-game handshake between the two teams took place at center court. But when LeBron James approached the Grizzlies players, he simply walked past them without shaking any hands or acknowledging their presence.
Many factors could have contributed to James’ decision not to shake hands. Perhaps he was feeling incredibly competitive and wanted to maintain an air of dominance over his opponent. Or, he could have been frustrated with something that happened during the series that rubbed him the wrong way.
Whatever the reason may be, it’s clear that James’ behavior wasn’t received well by everyone. Some fans saw it as unsportsmanlike, arguing that shaking hands after a game is a common courtesy that demonstrates respect for the competition.
Others, however, praised James for his intensity and uncompromising desire to win. They argued that in the heat of the moment, emotions can often run high, and it’s not always easy to keep one’s composure.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it’s clear that this incident will be talked about for quite some time. LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and his refusal to shake hands with the Grizzlies after eliminating them from the playoffs will only add to his already-legendary reputation.
No matter how people feel about the move, one thing is for sure: the NBA playoffs are always filled with drama and excitement, and LeBron James is always at the center of it all.