LeBron Reveals Derrick Henry vs. Patrick Mahomes 'Favorite' Pick

Patrick Mahomes is two months removed from the Kansas City Chiefs defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59. He has been working out and doing some traveling. He traveled to Dallas to watch his beloved Mavericks play host to James, Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

In a post game interview, James admitted he saw Mahomes in the stands and acknowledged his prowess for the game of football and gave him his props. However, he declared Baltimore Ravens' running back Derrick Henry as his "favorite player."

"Obviously, Pat Mahomes, the best player in football, [that] football has today, arguably one of the greatest ever played, even right now, where he's still young," James said. "And I've said over and over that King Henry is my favorite player int he National Football League."

James did not get into why Henry was his favorite player or if he even knew him. Although there was a shot on television of the two meeting after the game and shaking each other's hands and exchanging pleasantries. 

After the season Henry had in 2024, when he silenced all of those that doubted his ability to play the game at his age, could be enough of a reason for the Basketball King to show and pledge his love and devotion.

The King's pledge and endorsement could help Henry at the bargaining table. It is no secret the running back is underpaid. He is heading into the final season of a contract that averaged $8 million per season. Fellow 2024 free agent Saquon Barkley is averaging a yearly salary of $20.6 million after an extension he earned this offseason.

It appears as though the LeBron James endorsement should push Henry over the top and get a new contract. He rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, while Barkley accumulated 2,005 yards, despite sitting out the final game of the season.

Only time will tell what the Ravens brain trust of owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Eric DeCosta do with Henry and giving him an extension before the season begins.