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'I Was In Shock': LeBron James Comments On Derik Queen’s Buzzer-Beater Gets Reaction From Maryland Star
Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

LeBron James talked about the viral buzzer-beater shot from Maryland Terrapins star Derik Queen, and the young athlete was grateful that he was noticed by one of the biggest NBA stars of the generation.

In one interview, Maryland Terrapins star showed appreciation towards LeBron James, as the Lakers veteran praised him during his appearance at The Pat McAfee Show.

“Yeah, a little bit. I was just, I was in shock,” Queen said. “Like, I wish he would have, like, probably, said some more stuff. But, you say, like the shot. I didn’t travel, in college. I may not travel.”

Derik Queen delivered a thrilling buzzer-beater to lift the Maryland Terrapins to a 72-71 victory over Colorado State in the NCAA Tournament, securing their spot in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016.

With just 3.7 seconds left on the clock and Maryland trailing by one point, head coach Kevin Willard called a timeout and asked his players who wanted to take the final shot. Queen confidently stepped up, declaring, “I want the MF ball,” and his determination paid off.

The freshman center, standing at 6-foot-10, received the inbounds pass and drove to his left against Colorado State’s Ethan Morton. Despite the pressure, Queen banked in a running, fadeaway jump shot as time expired, sending the Terrapins into celebration.

LeBron James Gets Apology From Stephen A. Smith

Analyst Stephen A. Smith sent out an apology to LeBron James after erroneously claiming that the Lakers star did not attend the funeral of the late Kobe Bryant.

“My apologies and clarification. I misspoke in Hour#1 of First Take today when I intimated that LeBron did not attend Kobe Bryant’s memorial,” Smith wrote in his X post. “I corrected myself in Hour#2 when I acknowledged he was indeed in attendance. My mistake. Should not have even broached that subject. It was not my main point.”

The feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith started when LeBron confronted Smith courtside, reportedly telling him to “keep my son out of this,” referring to Smith’s critical comments about Bronny James’ performance in the NBA.


Mar 26, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The tension reached a new level when Smith stated on his YouTube show that he would have “immediately swung” at LeBron if the confrontation had turned physical, though he admitted he would have been defeated.


Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

LeBron James retaliated by posting a video on Instagram of Smith sparring, accompanied by laughing emojis and the caption “WHOMP WHOMP WHOMPPPPPPPP,” further fueling the feud.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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