"That slow motion made so much better": Fans in awe of epic shoulder shrug moment between LeBron James and Anthony Edwards

LeBron James and Anthony Edwards were on the floor to close out the exhibition game between Team USA and Germany on Monday. Devin Booker, Steph Curry and Anthony Davis joined the two in the final minutes of the showdown. After a thrilling battle, the Americans emerged with a 92-88 victory.

The four-time NBA MVP, for the second straight game, took over late for Steve Kerr’s star-studded roster. He scored Team USA’s last 11 points including a bully-ball sequence resulting in the LA Lakers forward scoring under the basket. After getting past Dennis Schroder, James outmuscled 6-foot-11 Johannes Voigtmann to push the Americans’ lead to 92-86 with 45.5 seconds remaining.

Following the crucial shot, LeBron James flexed his muscles by shrugging his shoulders. Anthony Edwards joined the celebration by mimicking the gesture.

Fans reacted to that viral moment shared by both on X/Twitter:

“A basketball moment that slow motion made so much better,” one fan said.

Another fan commented:

One fan said what many must have been thinking:

“Face of the league and the Future Face of the league.”

Another fan commented:

“If anyone asks what Aura is, show them this video.”

One fan described what that scene looked like to them:

“LEBRON PASSING THE TORCH.”

Meanwhile, another fan believes the moment between the two will end up being iconic:

"This is gonna be a historic clip in 10 years watch."

Anthony Edwards said at the start of Team USA’s training camp in Las Vegas that he was the “No. 1 option.” The Minnesota Timberwolves guard boldly told reporters that the team would have to fit around him.

LeBron James showed over the last two games, who is the true No. 1 option. Steve Kerr drew up the final play against South Sudan for the 39-year-old. Against Germany, the isolation plays were all given to the NBA’s all-time career points leader.

Edwards might own the NBA in the future, but James has stamped his class as arguably the best over the past two decades.

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LeBron James is showing Anthony Edwards how it is done on the big stage

In the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Edwards was undeniably Team USA’s best player. He usually showed up in clutch moments but couldn’t lead the Americans to a podium finish. The Americans’ 127-118 loss to Canada prevented them from winning hardware and prompted LeBron James to recommit to USA Basketball.

“Ant-Man” is the ultra-confident and talented young buck looking to make a splash in the Olympics. He will likely anchor Team USA’s future in basketball on the international stage. “King James” is showing him how it is done when the stakes are at their highest.

Against Germany, LeBron took the game by the scruff of its neck. Fans, opponents and even his superstar teammates were in awe of what he did. He went 4-for-4 in the fourth quarter and scored the Americans’ last 11 points. The Americans might have been 0-2 in their final two exhibition games if not for him.

After the game, James told reporters that his hot streak could have happened to anyone else. He added that Joel Embiid, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant are capable of having such an explosion. James’ teammates knew that was true but everyone looked up to him, including Anthony Edwards, when the game was on the line.

James is showing his teammate just how it's done on the biggest international stage.