LeBron James Shares Heartwarming Moment With NBA Reporter Jeff Zillgitt Following Cancer Surgery

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James shared a heartwarming moment with NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt, who underwent cancer surgery last year. 

LeBron and Zillgitt developed a relationship in Cleveland. 

A very cool moment where LeBron James shouts out writer Jeff Zillgitt, who he had previously wished well following cancer surgery. pic.twitter.com/plMCwZGgo9

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 18, 2024

Last March, LeBron wished Zillgitt a speedy recovery following cancer surgery. The Lakers star’s tweet received over 2.5 million views. 

Zillgitt has worked for USA Today Sports since 1995. LeBron, who has had two stints with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, isn’t close with many NBA reporters, but it’s clear he and Zillgitt have a strong rapport. 

LeBron, 39, can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason if he declines his 2024-25 player option with the Lakers worth $51.4 million. The Chosen One has expressed a desire to play on the same team with his son, Bronny, who could enter the 2024 NBA Draft.

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left,” LeBron said. “I know it’s not that many. … I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully, it is the Lakers. It is a great organization, so many greats. I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming. It’s coming for sure.”

A 20-time All-Star, LeBron has career averages of 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks with the Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He’s a four-time regular-season MVP, four-time champion and four-time Finals MVP. 

A future Hall of Famer, The King became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer last season. LBJ is first in NBA history in points, second in field goals, fourth in assists, ninth in steals, fifth in triple-doubles, seventh in points per game, third in player efficiency rating and eighth in 3-point field goals. 

LeBron is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in both points and assists. He’s also the only player to have at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists.