NBA legend LeBron James sparked an unexpected online debate after a heartfelt moment at the NBA Summer League. After a game, cameras captured the 4-time NBA champion picking up and carrying his 10-year-old daughter, Zhuri Nova James — a scene many found touching, but not everyone agreed.
The short clip shows LeBron, all smiles, lifting Zhuri in his arms as they exit the arena. To many, it was a wholesome father-daughter moment, showing the softer side of the sports icon. But social media, never one to miss a beat, quickly split into two camps.
Some critics chimed in, questioning whether a 10-year-old is “too old” to be carried by her father. Comments ranged from “She’s too big for that” to “She should be walking on her own now.” One user wrote, “This isn’t cute anymore — let kids grow up.”
But just as quickly, defenders of the moment clapped back — and they were loud. “Let that man be a dad!” one commenter said. “This is what a present and loving father looks like,” another added. Several fans pointed out that emotional bonding doesn’t have an age limit, especially in a world where many children grow up without strong father figures.
Some also noted how rare and beautiful it is to see celebrities — especially athletes — showing open affection to their kids. “It’s a hug, not a headline,” one supporter wrote. “Y’all will complain about anything.”
Zhuri, LeBron’s youngest child, has been a visible part of the James family’s public life, often appearing in cute home videos, fashion content, and even on the basketball court. The father-daughter bond between her and LeBron has long been celebrated — and this latest moment only added fuel to that admiration.
Still, the incident once again highlights how even the most innocent gestures can spark conversation in the age of social media.
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