LeBron James is going to be super charged up when he plays against the Memphis Grizzlies for a second consecutive time. He just saw his hometown football team win and its star defensive end make NFL history. The Cleveland Browns are often talked about now because of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, James’ other favorite footballer. Tonight, however, it was Myles Garrett who stole the show. And he had some love to return to the NBA legend as well.

On the way to a 20-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Garrett recorded his 23rd sack of the 2025 season. In doing so, he set the highest single-season sack record in the NFL. Tonight, he surpassed Michael Strahan’s (2001) and TJ Watt’s (2021) previous records of 22.5 sacks in a single season.

“CONGRATULATIONS MY GOOD BROTHER!!!!!!! @Flash_Garrett 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💪🏾” James wrote on Instagram.

The love from social media poured in for the NFL star, but James’ message caught Garrett’s eye soon enough.

He responded in kind, posting, “Much love LJ 🙏🏾” after the game.

The Browns may have missed the playoff berth despite this win, but this game has been symbolic of their run so far. The Browns’ defense, led by Garrett, has been impressive for all the right reasons. His 92.9 pass-rushing grade ties for first among defensive ends, per Pro Football Focus.

It’s also significant that Garrett’s career high came against the Bengals. He beat Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and brought down quarterback Joe Burrow with five minutes left in the game. That was his 12th career sack of Burrow, the most against any quarterback he’s faced.

James, the NBA’s all-time points leader, already occupies a large portion of the record books. But tonight might motivate him in a special way.

LeBron James started 2026 on a good note

The Lakers need the kind of defensive magic that Garrett brings to the Browns. The shorthanded Purple & Gold had been losing since Christmas, and their defense was shoddy at best, despite the win over the Sacramento Kings.

JJ Redick demanded that the team’s stars, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, step up on defense. With some rotation changes, the Lakers earned a win against the Grizzlies on Friday. That turned into a little extra celebration for the James family.

The Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, beat the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ development team, right after the big guys played. Bronny James dominated in this game with 20 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, as well as a monster dunk, leading his team to a 125-121 overtime victory.

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Daddy James was so thrilled by his son’s performance, he tweeted, “The AIR different 🆙 there!”

Now, James Jr. is back to breathing NBA air. He was immediately called up to the main squad tonight. They’re up against the Grizzlies again, who likely want to avenge the double whammy in the NBA and G League.

After watching the Browns win in a spectacular fashion, and his son on a roll, LeBron James might just be motivated enough to disappoint Memphis again.