Does LeBron James Throw Chalk Before Every Game Because of Michael Jordan? ESPN’s Omar Raja Explains

LeBron James may finally be regressing in terms of his play in the NBA. However, it’s still incredibly astounding that the process is only just starting with him about to turn 38 years old. Now, when a person has spent that long in the NBA (20 years), they are bound to pick up some habits. And sure, while that does apply to a lot of LeBron James’s habits, his iconic chalk toss isn’t one of them.

While he has stopped doing it now, it was a tradition for the man to throw a little bit of chalk on his hands before any game he could, before tossing it into the air.

But, why did he ever start doing it in the first place?

Also Read: “Michael Jordan Can’t Stop Me”: Sixers 2x All-Star Was ‘Humbled’ by MJ for Talking Trash in the Press

 

ESPN’s Omar Raja explains the likeliest reason behind LeBron James’s chalk toss ritual

It is clear to many that chalk allows an athlete to have more grip on the ball. But even then, it doesn’t make that much of a difference.

So, why do it at all?

Well, if Omar Raja is to be believed, Michael Jordan had something to do with it.

Watch him explain everything in the YouTube clip below.

So yes, much like his wearing #23 for most of his career, this was inspired by Michael Jordan as well.

But as we mentioned just a little prior, he doesn’t do this iconic move of his anymore.

But why?

 

Why doesn’t LeBron James do his iconic chalk act anymore?

For many years LeBron James’s chalk act got fans from all around the world excited. So, if his act was such a hit, why did he stop doing it?

Well, as per reports, the man now shoots with his teammates about an hour before every game, but even that had little to do with the stoppage.

No, more than anything, it seemed to be a change rooted in superstition and the hope that it changes things for the Lakers.

And to be fair to the man, it most certainly did this season. So admittedly, it’s likely that the man will never do it again.

Also Read: Having Gifted Michael Jordan His $1.3 Billion Sneaker Business, Sony Vaccaro Believed Juanita Vanoy Was Too Good for ‘His Airness’