LeBron James is no stranger to commemoration, having been honored time and again throughout his storied career in the NBA.
However, his latest milestone recognition has been met with a wave of mockery from fans after the league revealed a new addition to the Lakers’ uniform for James.
Ahead of the Lakers’ clash against the Bulls, the NBA announced that James would wear a special patch to honor his latest record-breaking career achievement.
The patch, positioned on the left side of his jersey, commemorates the ‘King’ becoming the all-time leader in made field goals.
James officially surpassed Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who previously held the record with 15,837 made baskets, during a game against Denver on March 5.
Sure enough, LeBron was later seen with the patch stitched onto his jersey for the game against the Bulls on Thursday – which the Lakers won 142-130.
LeBron James has been mocked by fans over a custom jersey patch he wore on Thursday
The patch commemorated James becoming the all-time leader in made field goals
While the milestone further cements his place among the greatest to ever play, the decision to physically ‘brand’ the achievement has sparked debate.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: ‘How come they didn’t give him one for most FGs missed?’
Another teased: ‘Idk this seems a little bit much. The supposed GOAT shouldn’t need to wear a silly a** patch on his jersey.’
‘Stats are cool but patches feel like participation trophies,’ another fan said on X.
‘That is so cheesy and arrogant. Really shows what he is about,’ one said.
This isn’t the first time the league has used his uniform as a billboard. Earlier this season, he wore a patch celebrating his record 23rd year in the league.
James was similarly mocked by social media users for wearing the jersey patch.
Despite the noise, James continues to push the boundaries of what is possible at age 41, now setting his sights on the all-time record for most NBA games played.
He currently sits just a handful of games behind Celtics legend Robert Parish, whose figure of 1,611 career appearances stands as the final mountain for James.
James managed to score 18 points from 33 minutes during their game against the Bulls
James, meanwhile, recently made headlines after his daughter Zhuri stole the spotlight during warmups after pulling off a stunning over-the-head trick shot.
The 11-year-old took to the court after the Lakers legend had finished his own warmup before their game against the Golden State Warriors on February 28.
Standing at the free-throw line with her back to the basket, Zhuri launched a shot that banked in off the glass, stunning those watching on from the stands.
The NBA shared footage of the trick shot just moments before the game began in San Francisco, prompting a wave of adulation for the youngster.
