Lebron James Columbus Blue Jackets Stadium Series jersey
(Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • LeBron James wore a custom Blue Jackets Stadium Series jersey courtside during Lakers-Nuggets game
  • The Akron native continues supporting Ohio teams as Columbus battles for a playoff spot
  • Read below for details on LeBron’s Ohio tribute and the Blue Jackets’ response

Lebron James is Ohio forever.

James showed where his heart remains Wednesday night, sporting a custom Columbus Blue Jackets Stadium Series jersey while sitting courtside at Crypto.com Arena as the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets.

The NBA star, currently sidelined with a groin injury, caught eyes on the ESPN broadcast with his custom #23 Blue Jackets sweater. This is the same design Columbus wore during their Stadium Series game against Detroit on March 1 at Ohio Stadium.

James, an Akron native and Ohio State fan, hasn’t forgotten his roots despite being nearly a decade removed from his last stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Blue Jackets clearly loved the shoutout, responding to ESPN’s social media post with: “No debate: LeBron is the 🐐.”

The Ohio connection runs deep for James, who has consistently backed teams from his home state throughout his career. His choice to rep the Blue Jackets comes at a meaningful time, as Columbus sits just three points behind Montreal for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

Columbus center Adam Fantilli, who recently scored a hat trick against the Rangers, weighed in on the support from King James.

“Yeah, that was awesome,” Fantilli said. That was really cool. I know he sent out a tweet or something when Johnny had passed. So it’s great to see him win. It’s great to see him. That was awesome.

Even without their superstar, the Lakers handled business against the short-handed Nuggets, cruising to a 120-108 victory behind Luka Doncic’s 31 points.

The 40-year-old James has dealt with the groin strain since a game against Boston on March 8. However, he hasn’t missed a beat this season, averaging 25 points, 8.5 assists and 8.2 rebounds before the injury.

The Blue Jackets continue their playoff push Friday night, now with King James apparently in their corner.