Rams WR Is Weirdly Obsessed With LeBron James

In a recent interview, Nacua shocked some by claiming he would rather spend a week with LeBron James than win a Super Bowl. “Oh my gosh, we could do so many things,” Nacua said. “We could pass it to Bronny—best week of my life. I’m rebounding for LeBron. We’re hopping in the sauna.”

Though delivered with humor, the comment underscores the depth of Nacua’s fandom. Earlier this year, he even mimicked James’ viral “Taco Tuesday” moment and has repeatedly expressed awe at being in the same city as the Lakers superstar. For Nacua, experiencing the Lakers up close is as surreal as catching passes at SoFi Stadium.

Their first meeting left a lasting impression. Nacua recounted meeting James courtside at a Lakers game in February, calling it one of the most nerve-wracking moments of his life. “I’ve never been so stressed,” he said. “I had to perfectly cup the hand. He told me, ‘Keep doing your thing, young buck.’ I don’t think I slept that night.”

Sitting courtside next to Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, Nacua joked that he came close to “stealing LeBron’s arm sleeve.” For someone who grew up in Utah idolizing James, it was a dream realized.

On the football field, Nacua has already carved out his own legend. His rookie season saw him set NFL records with 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards, instantly becoming quarterback Matthew Stafford’s most reliable target alongside Cooper Kupp. While defenses focused more on him in 2024, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur continues to praise Nacua’s precision, hands, and instincts, calling them his “superpower.”

Heading into the 2025 season, the Rams need that superpower more than ever. Stafford, now 37 and dealing with back concerns, is navigating the delicate balance of competing in the present while preserving longevity. The team’s defense is adapting post-Aaron Donald, and much of the Rams’ offensive success hinges on Nacua’s continued development and Stafford’s health.

Nacua’s admiration for LeBron takes on an added dimension in this context. He sees James as a model of longevity, leadership, and elite performance—qualities the Rams will require from him if they hope to contend in the NFC. While joking about sauna sessions over a Lombardi Trophy, Nacua’s fandom is rooted in a desire to emulate sustained greatness.

Los Angeles sports culture has always been defined by its superstars, from Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant to Clayton Kershaw. Now, with James still anchoring the Lakers and Nacua rising as a Rams standout, the city’s athletic identity continues to evolve. If the Rams are to reclaim their spot as NFC contenders, Nacua’s ascent will play a central role.

For now, Nacua embraces his fanboy side. Whether it’s joking about “Taco Tuesday,” stressing over a handshake, or imagining rebounds with LeBron, the Rams wide receiver’s admiration for James is unmistakable—and in a city where basketball and football collide, it might just be the most Los Angeles story of all.