Basketball memes usually die in a week. They’re fast, they're dumb, and they're gone before the next Lakers game tips off. But something weird happened with the whole LeBron James boom boom boom thing. It didn't just fade away into the depths of the internet; it mutated. It went from a specific song edit to a full-blown "glazing" culture that has even the King himself cracking up on camera.
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) lately, you’ve probably heard it. That infectious, soulful R&B melody. The one where the only lyrics—literally the only words—are "LeBron, LeBron, LeBron James." It's catchy. It's annoying. It's somehow the perfect soundtrack for 2026's weirdest sports obsession.
Where did LeBron James boom boom boom actually come from?
Most people think this was some high-budget marketing stunt. It wasn't. It started with a 24-year-old student named Vincent Jordan (known online as OkaySpade). Back in early 2025, LeBron was closing in on his 50,000th career point. That’s a number so big it feels fake.
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Vincent wanted to celebrate. He found a beat he liked, hopped on an app called BandLab, and tried to write a tribute. But honestly? He couldn't think of any lyrics. Nothing felt right. So he just sang the man's name. Over and over. "LeBron, LeBron, LeBron James."
The "boom boom boom" part of the trend is the energy behind these edits. It’s the "booming" bass, the sudden transitions into slow-motion dunks, and the sheer volume of the "glazing" (internet slang for over-the-top praising). Sometimes it's paired with the Skrilla song "Doot Doot" and its "6-7" refrain, creating this chaotic audio cocktail that defines the modern LeBron meme.
The "Glazing" Era and Why It Matters
We’ve moved past the era of just watching highlights. Now, we "glaze." The LeBron James boom boom boom movement is basically a sarcastic but also weirdly sincere way of acknowledging that we are watching the end of an era. LeBron is 41. He’s in the twilight.
Fans started taking classic songs and "LeBron-ifying" them. We’re talking:
- Remixes of Michael Jackson’s "Man in the Mirror" turned into "Man on the Lakers."
- The Baylor University men’s choir doing a capella versions of LeBron tributes.
- Deepfake videos of Michael Jordan "singing" the OkaySpade R&B track.
It sounds like a fever dream because it kind of is. But for the Lakers star, it’s a sign of ultimate respect. In a post-game presser, LeBron admitted his youngest son, Bryce, showed him the videos. He said they "got a good laugh at it." When the person you’re meme-ing is in on the joke, the trend gets a second life.
It’s not just about the music
The "boom" isn't just a sound effect. It's the impact. Every time LeBron does something—like picking up his $52.5 million player option for 2026—the internet explodes. The memes serve as a digital "send-off." Since he’s likely entering his final season or two, the fans are turning his entire existence into a soundtrack.
Some people find it cringe. They see the "LeBron's a Boom!" tracks by creators like A.J. & Big Justice and they roll their eyes. But you can't deny the metrics. We’re talking tens of millions of views on videos that are essentially just a guy’s name set to a beat.
The darker side of the trend: NYC and "Le-Bum"
It’s not all soulful R&B and sunshine. The LeBron James boom boom boom energy sometimes flips. Take the incident in New York City in June 2025. LeBron was walking into a Fanatics event, and the crowd wasn't singing. They were yelling "Le-Bum."
The contrast is wild. On one hand, you have the internet "glazing" him with 1950s blues remixes. On the other, you have the raw, sometimes ugly reality of being a global icon in a city that loves to hate you. LeBron just kept walking. He’s used to it. But it shows that these trends aren't just isolated jokes; they’re part of a massive, polarized conversation about his legacy.
What's next for the King and his memes?
As we move through 2026, the memes are getting more complex. We’re seeing "LeEvil James" edits set to slowed-down versions of "You Are My Sunshine." It’s getting meta.
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The real actionable takeaway here? If you're a creator or just a fan, understand that the "boom boom boom" trend is about longevity. It's about a player who has stayed relevant so long that the only way to describe him anymore is through abstract, catchy nonsense.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to keep up with the latest in the LeBron-verse, pay attention to the TikTok sounds "OkaySpade" and "Doot Doot." These are the primary drivers of the trend. Also, keep an eye on Bryce James’ social media—he’s often the one who filters the best stuff to his dad. To see the "glazing" in action, search for "Man on the Lakers" on YouTube to see the Baylor choir's version; it's arguably the peak of this entire cultural moment. Don't take it too seriously. LeBron certainly doesn't.