Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James recently made a heartwarming gesture by gifting the Duquesne men's basketball team with new sneakers ahead of their NCAA Tournament appearance. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar presented the team with his signature Nike LeBron 21s, a meaningful gesture given the special connection between James and the team's head coach, Keith Dambrot.

"Yessir!! Best of luck guys!!"

Dambrot, who previously coached James during his high school years at St. Vincent-St. Mary's, shares a close relationship with the NBA icon. The sneakers, designed in a white and light blue colorway with Air Zoom cushioning and a glow-in-the-dark outsole, hold a deeper significance. They pay tribute to James' daughter Zhuri, symbolizing the protective nature of fatherhood.

The timely gift arrived as the Dukes prepared to face BYU in their tournament opener, marking their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1977. James' support extends beyond the sneakers, as he took to social media to offer encouragement and good luck to the team ahead of their crucial matchup.

The significance of James' gesture is heightened by Dambrot's impending retirement from coaching following the NCAA Tournament. The coach's decision to step down adds an emotional layer to the team's journey, making James' gift even more meaningful as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

For the Duquesne players, receiving new sneakers from one of basketball's greatest players serves as both a morale boost and a reminder of the support they have from their basketball community. James' generosity and thoughtfulness exemplify his commitment to uplifting and inspiring young athletes, leaving a lasting impact beyond the hardwood.

As the Dukes embark on their March Madness journey, they carry with them not only their talent and determination but also the support and encouragement of LeBron James, a reminder of the bonds that unite the basketball world.

LeBron James' Promises To Attend Draymond Green's Podcast

LeBron James recently found himself in the spotlight once again, but this time for making a vague promise to his friend Draymond Green regarding an appearance on Green's podcast. Following the launch of James' new podcast, "Mind the Game," with JJ Redick, Green expressed his disappointment on "The Draymond Green Show" about not yet having James as a guest.

In a candid moment on his own podcast, Green voiced his frustration. Despite his frustration, Green acknowledged the intricacies of podcast scheduling, recognizing that James might have his reasons for not appearing on his show yet.

As Green's comments circulated on social media, LeBron James caught wind of the conversation and responded to a post by Sportscenter on Instagram. In his comment, LeBron assured Green that he would make an appearance on "The Draymond Green Show," indicating their strong friendship and mutual respect.

The exchange between James and Green highlights the camaraderie among NBA players beyond the court, as well as the growing popularity of basketball-themed podcasts. With James' new podcast receiving praise for its insightful discussions and analysis of the game, fans eagerly anticipate his appearance on Green's show, expecting an engaging conversation between the two basketball stars.

Despite the vagueness of James' promise, his commitment to supporting his friend's venture into podcasting demonstrates his willingness to engage with the basketball community in various capacities, further solidifying his role as a leader both on and off the court. As basketball enthusiasts eagerly await further developments, James' promise serves as a testament to the enduring bonds forged within the NBA fraternity.

LeBron James Podcast Set To Become The Biggest In The Basketball World

LeBron James' foray into the world of podcasting has quickly garnered attention and set the stage for what could potentially become the biggest basketball podcast in the world. With the release of the first episode of "Mind the Game," co-hosted by JJ Redick, the podcast has already amassed over 1.9 million views within just two days of its launch. This remarkable viewership speaks volumes about the immense popularity and influence of LeBron James, both on and off the basketball court.

The success of "Mind the Game" extends beyond YouTube views, as evidenced by the impressive subscriber count of over 260,000 on LeBron's YouTube channel. While other basketball-related podcasts, such as Draymond Green's show and JJ Redick's podcast, have amassed respectable followings over the years, LeBron's entry into the podcasting arena has the potential to overshadow them all.

Comparatively, Draymond Green's show, which has been in existence for a couple of years, boasts 64,000 subscribers, while JJ Redick's podcast has over a million subscribers, having been around for a few years. Similarly, Paul George's podcast has nearly 680,000 subscribers. However, with just a few episodes under its belt, LeBron's podcast is poised to surpass them all in terms of popularity and reach.

LeBron's unparalleled star power, combined with his insights into the game of basketball and his ability to engage listeners in meaningful discussions, sets "Mind the Game" apart from other basketball podcasts. As LeBron continues to release new episodes and attract high-profile guests, the podcast is expected to break records and solidify its position as the premier destination for basketball enthusiasts seeking insightful commentary and analysis.

In essence, LeBron James' podcast is on track to become the biggest in the basketball world, thanks to its rapid rise in viewership, strong subscriber base, and the undeniable allure of hearing one of the greatest players in NBA history share his thoughts and experiences firsthand.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Former MLB infielder Sean Burroughs dies at 43 years old
Angels superstar explains why he chose not to play through knee injury
Cardinals catcher's injury timeline revealed
Suns hire ex-NBA champion as new head coach
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
Luka Doncic hands OKC first playoff loss with gutsy Game 2 effort
Three takeaways as Rangers take commanding 3-0 series lead on Hurricanes
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
Ohio State AD is wrong for thinking Michigan wins deserve asterisk
Padres OF Jurickson Profar is a legitimate MVP candidate
Steelers' Cameron Heyward comments on controversial Justin Fields idea
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's 'soured' relationship paints murky future for PGA Tour
Stars almost blow another lead, even series with Avalanche
Auburn's Hugh Freeze uncomfortable with 'bidding wars' for top players in transfer portal
Cavaliers punch back, blow out Celtics in Game 2
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.