Jaylen Brown's attempt to recreate iconic LeBron James-Dwyane Wade moment fell short

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaylen Brown. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jaylen Brown's attempt to recreate iconic LeBron James-Dwyane Wade moment fell short

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 21, 2026 12:10 AM ET

Philadelphia 76ers guard Jaylen Brown recreated one of LeBron James' most memorable moments on Tuesday night against the New York Knicks. Well, almost.

While playing for the Miami Heat in December 2010, the forward caught a pass from former guard and close friend Dwyane Wade on a fast break and slammed it. Associated Press photographer Morry Gash captured it, creating one of the most iconic images in NBA history. Wade stretches his arms as if he's striking a pose, another reason it's left a lasting impression.

The photograph has since inspired countless social media memes, celebrating the jam. Brown's attempt could also inspire memes ... that poke fun at him.

Jaylen Brown's attempt to recreate LeBron James-Dwyane Wade moment failed

Brown stole the ball in the third quarter and then lobbed it to "King James." He posed as he ran toward the baseline. Fans immediately began comparing it to the photo with Wade. It should be no contest.

Jaylen Brown tried recreating the LeBron-Wade photo pic.twitter.com/Wn2B8tRGyc
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 21, 2026

https://t.co/lfYp5b2SBf pic.twitter.com/ssuXrxcp2X
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 21, 2026

James' 2010 dunk was cooler. The fact that it was on a fast break was cooler. Wade's pose with his arms outstretched was cooler. It was just plain cooler.

Not convinced? Watch it again.

Dwyane Wade serves up a no-look dime to LeBron James for the monster jam on the break on this day in 2010 pic.twitter.com/N5IrbSBfQp
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 6, 2023

Brown may not have created a moment that will stand the test of time, but he and James still led the Sixers to a 106-100 road win over the defending champions. Brown scored 19 points, while James had 14.

And Brown could do another thing Wade and James did during their time in South Beach: win a championship. They won two with the Heat from 2010-14, not five, six or seven like James promised. He probably wishes fans would forget that.

But few will forget his iconic photo with Wade. Brown's photo, meanwhile, should be forgotten quickly.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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