Alperen Sengun explained a viral moment involving LeBron James after the Houston Rockets lost Game 1 of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Sengun said he was misunderstood and was only reaching into his pocket, not showing any gesture of respect toward LeBron.
Houston Rockets opened their 2026 NBA Playoffs with a 107-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1, but one of the biggest talking points came after the final buzzer.
The Lakers played without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so LeBron James carried the offense. Houston, meanwhile, were missing Kevin Durant, leaving Alperen Sengun as the main option.
After Game 1, a viral clip showed Sengun standing up as LeBron walked past him on the court. The moment quickly spread online, with many fans reading it as a sign of respect toward the Lakers star.
Sengun later made it clear that the reaction was not what people thought.
“I just saw that video today. Everybody was sending it to me,” he explained per I was just trying to get something out of my pocket, that’s why I got up. No disrespect to LeBron, of course, but I didn’t stand up for him. It was just something I was getting out of my pocket.”
The clip gained traction partly because of the respect many young NBA players have for LeBron, who is still performing at a high level in his 23rd season.
The 18-year age gap between the two stars also fueled assumptions from fans watching the interaction.
On the court, Sengun had a solid performance with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, continuing his strong season production.
LeBron, meanwhile, led the Lakers with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists, guiding Los Angeles to the Game 1 win as they look to control the series early.
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.
Backbiome is an advanced daily wellness supplement formulated to help support spinal comfort, reduce feelings of built-up tension, and promote freer, smoother movement throughout backbiome everyday life.