Fans quash LeBron James comparison of his 2016 ‘finals block’ to Argentina’s goalkeeper final game saver

Modified Dec 19, 2022 23:48 GMT

Washington Wizards v Los Angeles Lakers — LA Lakers forward LeBron James

LeBron James of the LA Lakers became a huge topic during the finale of the 2022 FIFA World Cup despite not being a soccer player. During one crucial play, the goalkeeper for the Argentinian national team, Emiliano Martinez, saved the ball against a shot from France.

Fans couldn't get enough of the NBA, as even in the FIFA World Cup finale they were comparing one play to a famous James play. The finale featured two powerhouse teams, Argentina and France, who are headlined bytwo of the greatest soccer players today.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé went head-to-head and gave it their all as they battled for the top spot. Ultimately, Argentina came on top 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 3-3. The game was intense, and it even featured one of the best saves in the tournament.

Martinez blocked a penalty shootout to secure the win, and fans are still hyped up about it. One Twitter user even went as far as comparing the save to the well-known chasedown block from LeBron James back in the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in winning his third championship.

While most fans who saw it didn't appreciate the comparison, some wondered why James had to be involved during the World Cup. Fans on Instagram didn't enjoy the comparison and decided to share their takes.

Here are some of the best reactions.

As memorable as LeBron James' block was, it couldn't be compared to the clutch save by Martinez to seal the win.

Also read: Skip Bayless calls LeBron James' exploits in the clutch against Wizards "lucky"

LeBron James is out for Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns

The LA Lakers (13-16) are looking to add another victory after winning a close game over the Washington Wizards 119-117 on Sunday. However, they will make need to make adjustments as James and Anthony Davis are both out, along with a few other players, against the Phoenix Suns (18-12) on Monday.

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Austin Reaves, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Patrick Beverley are all listed as out as well. Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Jock Landale, Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne are all listed as out for Phoenix.

Their tonight will only feature each of the team's star point guards: Russell Westbrook of the Lakers and Chris Paul of the Suns.

As the Lakers are trying everything to get more wins, the injuries to their stars aren't helping. Los Angeles is 12th in the Western Conference while Phoenix is fourth.

Also read: LeBron James reveals what he told team before LA Lakers' game-winning shot