Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

LeBron James names his favorite NFL player

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 4:15 PM ET

LeBron James got to spend time with his favorite NFL player following the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tx.

Wednesday’s game was a star-studded affair, thanks in large part to Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas. After the game, James alluded to that by noting that Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry was in attendance, and that Henry is his favorite NFL player.

“I’ve said over and over that King Henry is my favorite player in the National Football League,” James said.

The feeling was mutual. James and Henry got to spend time together after the game, with Henry paying tribute to James as the “GOAT.”

GOAT JAMES
I appreciate the love always my g
1/1 @KingJames https://t.co/8PSpE2xwFq pic.twitter.com/vtfzBjM3GQ
— Derrick Henry  (@KingHenry_2) April 10, 2025

It’s no small praise from James, since Patrick Mahomes was also in attendance. There are certainly some similarities between the two, as James and Henry are both powerhouse athletes. They also both defy age, with James still starring at 40 while Henry remains one of the NFL’s best backs at the age of 31.

James has always felt he could have played in the NFL had he made it his main focus, and some within the league agree. Perhaps he would have looked a lot like Henry out there if he had.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: