Overview
- Denzel Washington left his courtside seat and walked the edge of the hardwood to greet LeBron James before tip-off at Crypto.com Arena, a moment captured on spectator video.
- After the exchange, the Lakers beat the 76ers 119–115, with James posting 17 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and a block.
- Washington, a lifelong Lakers supporter, is a familiar courtside presence and briefly returned to his seat after appearing to wish James luck.
- James is playing through his 23rd NBA season following sciatica issues and recently earned a 22nd consecutive All-Star selection as a reserve.
- Addressing off-court speculation, Lakers governor Jeanie Buss has publicly denied rumors she considered trading James.