Lip readers figured out what 76ers' LeBron James said to Knicks heckler originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
New York Knicks fans aren't always known for their decorum when dealing with opposing players. These people have gone on to say a lot of insane things to stars who crossed paths with Jalen Brunson and Co. Their NBA Opening Night and Banner celebration was no different. One heckler had something to say to LeBron James, but the Philadelphia 76ers star lashed back.
It was hard to make out what The King said, but lip readers figured it out in a second.
What 76ers' James said to the bothersome Knicks heckler on NBA Opening Night
LeBron James commands respect from all types of NBA fans. In fact, he is the most well-known and loved ambassador of the game among all active players. Knicks fans do not care.
Beyond the Knicks crowd shouting, "We don't want you!" at James when he was shooting free throws, one fan took it a step further. He got the 76ers veteran's attention from the stands and started trading words.
James wasn't having any of the shenanigans the Knicks heckler unleashed. He apparently even corrected what the fan was saying. Apparently, they were claiming that James was from the West Coast instead of Ohio, via Legion Hoops.
LeBron to a fan: “I’m not from the west coast, I’m from Ohio baby, f*ck is you talking about?” https://t.co/EhLEKUyZ5b
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 21, 2026
The 76ers veteran was visibly livid with how bad the Knicks heckler was at being his team's sixth man. With the Knicks crowd on him all night, the frustration only grew.
However, none of this seemed to affect James or the 76ers. James played 34 minutes and braved the Knicks crowd. He scored 14 points on 38.5% from the field despite going 0% from three-point range on three attempts. He also shot 67% from the free-throw line.
James didn't just thrive on scoring. He dropped seven assists to get guys like Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and V.J. Edgecombe going.
Defensively, the 76ers saw James do great despite being in Year 24. He grabbed four rebounds while getting a steal and a block.
The Knicks crowd can be rough and affect a player's production, as evidenced by James efficiency woes on NBA Opening Night. However, the King isn't a regular NBA All-Star. He knows how to heckle back and deliver the production the 76ers need to win.
The result? A 106-100 76ers victory on NBA Opening Night and a spoiled Knicks banner night.