LeBron James gave Carlos Alcaraz a shout-out after seeing the Spanish star at an Australian Open practice in a Lakers jersey.
Carlos Alcaraz is making an early statement at the Australian Open — not just with his tennis, but with a nod to basketball royalty.
During a recent practice session in Melbourne, the world No. 1 hit the courts wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with LeBron James' iconic No. 23 on the back.
Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz's choice to wear LeBron James' jersey at Australian Open practice didn't go unnoticed by the Los Angeles Lakers star.
A few hours later, LeBron reshared the photo on his Instagram Story , tagging Alcaraz and writing, "(Salute) to the Young (king)."
Alcaraz has spoken before about how much he admires LeBron's discipline, consistency, and drive — qualities he tries to bring into his own training.
Clearly, the respect is mutual between the two stars, as LeBron highlighted Alcaraz on his platform upon seeing the gesture.
Carlos Alcaraz heads into the Australian Open as world No. 1, looking to build on his US Open triumph from the previous year.
Meanwhile, LeBron James, now in his 23rd NBA season at 41 years old, continues to defy age, averaging over 21 points per game. His longevity and work ethic have made him a model for athletes far beyond basketball.
LeBron's ties to tennis have grown stronger in recent years. He's appeared courtside at several major events and shares a friendship with Serena Williams. He's also shown support for players like Coco Gauff, celebrating her Roland Garros win.
For Alcaraz, LeBron's story wasn't just a social media highlight — it was a nod of respect from an athlete whose mindset he's long admired. It signalled a connection between two champions who lead their sports by example, through dedication and endurance.
Read More: Carlos Alcaraz sends tribute to NBA legend during first Australian Open practice
