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[Saba Sports News] If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, LeBron James got a taste of it during Friday’s game.
NBA referee Sha’Rae Mitchell went viral for hilariously mimicking the Los Angeles Lakers star during their win over the LA Clippers.
In the first quarter, Mitchell was inadvertently hit by a pass from Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, which had been deflected out of bounds by Clippers forward Nicolas Batum.
She quickly recovered and, in a lighthearted moment, broke into James’ signature shoulder shrug.
James is well-known for the shrug, often using it after absorbing contact on a basket or when arguing a no-call.
Despite being in her first full season as an official NBA referee (after previously working as a non-staff official), Mitchell clearly knows James’ tendencies well.
The four-time NBA champion, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, delivered another strong performance with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. His efforts helped the Lakers secure a 106-102 victory over the Clippers, improving their record to 37-21 (No. 4 in the Western Conference).
Now in his 22nd NBA season at 40 years old, James’ mannerisms are well-documented. Fortunately for him, Mitchell’s impression was far more flattering than the infamous mimicry he received from a rival player years ago.