Why does LeBron James toss chalk before games?

Having a pregame routine is pretty common for NBA players. Some players who have their little tricks get the confidence they need ahead of games, knowing they’re in the right mindset. One of the most recognized rituals happens to be LeBron James’ chalk toss. Let’s take a look at why the King performs the ritual.

Why does LeBron use chalk?

In general, chalk is used among many NBA players because it improves their grip by reducing sweating and slipping.

In James’ case, a theory that goes back to his idol Michael Jordan might be what started it all for the Lakers’ superstar.

While Jordan’s chalk toss wasn’t as talked about or recognized, the legend used to clap powder into Johnny Kerr’s face as a pregame ritual when he was with the Chicago Bulls. MJ said his ritual started “just for fun” but then became his good luck charm.

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As for James, who also claps his hands after throwing chalk up into the air, he doesn’t “remember the first time I started it — when I started to do it — but I felt the fans start to embrace it,” he once said.

“I started to really set my mind and get focused on what was at task when I started to do it.”

During James’ career, the ritual has become a fan-favorite all over the country and has even been used in several advertising campaigns for Nike.

There have been phases in the King’s career when he hasn’t done the chalk toss, most notably after the 2014 season. He even once asked fans if he should bring it back, and the response was a massive yes.

LeBron brought it back upon his arrival in Los Angeles and even stuck to it before checking into a game off the bench during the 2022-23 season.