LeBron James shared a brief moment with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
After leading the Los Angeles Lakers to snap the New York Knicks’ nine-game winning streak, James was caught talking to Hamlin on the way back to the locker room.
The meeting came six months after Hamlin expressed support for James’ family when his son, Bronny, suffered cardiac arrest during a practice with the USC Trojans. In January 2023, Hamlin also suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both recovered and returned to their respective sports.
“How’s Bronny doing, man?” Hamlin asked James after they shook hands and kissed.
“Big man, big man, I appreciate it” James replied as they began a quick conversation.
LeBron James (right) shares a moment with (left) Damar Hamlin after Saturday’s game against the Lakers
Hamlin showed support for James’ family after his son, Bronny, suffered cardiac arrest
James contacted Hamlin’s family when Bills safety suffered cardiac arrest in 2023
After his horrific fall against the Bengals, Hamlin decided to continue playing after fully recovering. When Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest in July, Hamlin mentioned that he wanted to support the USC freshman because James’ family had supported him during his recovery.
“Honestly, it’s a really big wake-up call,” Hamlin said in August. ‘It puts everything into perspective for me. But please pray for [James] and pray for his family.’
“They were really enthusiastic and supportive in reaching out to my family. So I just want to be able to extend that to them,” Hamlin added. “And I want to let him know that I will be there for whatever he needs during his journey until he recovers and returns to his sport if that is what he chooses to do.”
After collapsing in July, Bronny James is actively competing for the USC Trojans in the NCAA.
James led the Lakers to a 113-105 victory to end the New York Knicks’ nine-game winning streak.
With the Bills’ season over, Hamlin traveled to the Big Apple to attend American Heart Association events this weekend. After the festivities, Hamlin watched James and the Lakers take on the Knicks.
The Lakers spoiled the Knicks’ party by snapping their nine-game winning streak in front of their home fans. James led the way with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the 113-105 victory.
Austin Reaves contributed 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists while Anthony Davis had a double-double with 12 points and 18 rebounds.
Despite this impressive victory, the Lakers still sit in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record almost halfway through the season.