One young fan learned Monday that being polite goes a long way. It could even convince LeBron James to take some time to sign your sneakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers star had a recent wholesome encounter with a kid that went viral on social media. The moment happened as James was walking toward his team’s locker room after a rugged 100-92 win over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
A young fan and his dad happened to be within earshot of James as he walked by.
“LeBron, can you sign my shoe?” the kid yelled.
The youngster’s dad told him to “say please,” which may have been what got LeBron to turn around. The kid responded with the most desperate “Please!” that not even the grumpiest curmudgeon could say no to.
LeBron signed this kid’s shoe after his dad told him to say “please” 🥹
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 17, 2026
(Via imfromthestead/IG) pic.twitter.com/lRGTFGFGpV
There’s no better way to instill proper manners in your son than when the reward is an autographed shoe from LeBron James. Fans were loving the moment as well.
that “say please” just unlocked a lifetime memory 😭 respect to the dad fr, manners still matter and look what it got him… bron really made that kid’s whole year 🐐
— Elemayachi (@elemayachi) March 17, 2026
i felt that “please” lol Bron a real one bro
— Brian (@IAMN0TS0MEB0DY) March 17, 2026
That “please” had so much desperation and hope pic.twitter.com/zfhC8EzrLr
— White Cunningham (@LostHebrew_Dre) March 17, 2026
The Lakers star had acknowledged the kid at first, but did not appear keen on signing anything up until he heard the kid ask again politely. Hearing the dad correct him may have helped, too.
The father-and-son pair may have also caught James in a good mood after the 4-time MVP put up 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a hard-fought road win over the Rockets.
