LeBron James Sends 6-Word Message On HOF Experience After Taking Issue With Ex-Teammate

LeBron James officially cemented his legacy in basketball history when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. The ceremony celebrated his career achievements, from his early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers to his multiple NBA championships and Olympic glory. Fans and peers watched as the four-time NBA MVP joined the ranks of basketball legends. It was a night full of nostalgia, laughter, and respect for his impact on the game. LeBron’s induction marked not just individual success, but recognition of his influence on an entire generation.

Amid the celebrations, playful tension surfaced with former teammate Jason Kidd. Both were part of the 2008 Redeem Team, which restored USA Basketball’s dominance after earlier disappointments. Kidd joked about his role, claiming he was the “water boy, the towel boy,” keeping track of Gatorade preferences and the clock. The crowd laughed, but LeBron quickly interrupted with a smirk: “Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.” Even with the teasing, LeBron’s spirits stayed high, showing the mix of friendship and humor that defined their bond.

Even with playful jabs from Kidd, LeBron’s spirits remained high. He recently took to Instagram a couple of days after gaining the honor, sharing a celebratory photo showing off his Hall of Fame jacket. He paired the image with a Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren watch, a standout piece recognized by its skeletonized dial, green strap, and vibrant racing-inspired accents. The caption perfectly captured his joy: “We In The Hall Baby!!!!! Ayyyyyyeeeew 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾👑.” LeBron’s post reveals just how big the honor it is to him to be inducted along with the team, which once brought the lost glory back to the country.

But that’s now all! James even shared the post on his story and had a sweet message for the doubters on it. He wrote, “Still at the top of my game at the same time in the Hall of Fame!” Well, James is using this opportunity to rub his newly earned status as he prepares to head to the new season with the Lakers.

The Redeem Team’s mission had been clear from the start: bounce back from the 2004 Olympic disappointment and reclaim global basketball supremacy. Led by Mike Krzyzewski and Jerry Colangelo, the team blended youthful talent and veteran wisdom. Besides LeBron and Kidd, the roster included Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwight Howard. Their combined efforts led to an undefeated 8-0 run, concluding with a gold medal win over Spain.

Even after playful jabs from Kidd, LeBron’s joy and pride were clear. His Hall of Fame induction captured not just his personal achievement but the teamwork, legacy, and brotherhood that made his career unforgettable.

Micky Arison’s Hall of Fame dig at LeBron James’ championship claim

When LeBron James decided to “take his talents to South Beach” in 2010, it changed the NBA forever. Alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Miami Heat formed a powerhouse trio that promised greatness. Yet it wasn’t just the move itself that stuck in fans’ minds, but LeBron’s bold declaration during the Heat’s introductory press conference. “Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7 and when I say that, I really believe it,” said James with full conviction.

Fifteen years later, those words resurfaced during the 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony, though this time with laughter instead of backlash. Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, who was also inducted into the Hall, couldn’t resist poking fun at his superstar’s past claim. Recalling the excitement of the Big Three era, Arison quipped, “In 2010, with Dwyane, LeBron and Chris Bosh, we knew we could win. Not 1, not 2, I guess it was just 2.” His comment had the audience in stitches, including James himself, who smiled knowingly at the joke.

Despite never reaching the seven championships he once spoke of, LeBron delivered two titles and four straight Finals appearances to Miami. He silenced critics by rebounding from the 2011 Finals loss and dominating in the years that followed, earning back-to-back Finals MVPs. Arison’s jab may have been playful, but it also highlighted how far LeBron had come since that boastful moment. From the pressure of lofty expectations to the pride of actual achievement, his Miami years became a defining chapter in his journey to the Hall of Fame.