Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is left-handed, but he uses his right hand to shoot. For other activities like writing and eating, he uses his left hand.
LeBron James has officially opted in for the 2025–26 NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a $52.6 million player option.
This makes it his 23rd season in the league, a historic milestone no other player has reached.
In 45 days, LeBron James will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons 👑
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) September 7, 2025
Will we ever see this again? pic.twitter.com/jnYWdyZvSB
Despite his commitment to return, LeBron has acknowledged that retirement is approaching, saying, “It’s coming. It’s just not here just yet.”
Some fans and analysts believe that this season could be his last, while others predict he might continue beyond 2026.
Is NBA All-Time Leading Scorer LeBron James Lefty?
Born December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, LeBron Raymone James is naturally left-handed.
For everyday activities such as writing, eating, and signing autographs, he primarily uses his left hand.
However, when it comes to basketball, he shoots with his right hand, which raises questions about how he manages to do it. It’s like a right-handed man playing basketball with his left.
LeBron himself has explained that while he grew up using his left hand, he developed his shooting skills from players he admired, most of whom were right-handed.
LEBRON OH MY OH MY JAMES 😱😱😱
— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2025
SWITCHING HANDS FOR THE RIDICULOUS LEFT-HANDED WINDMILL 😤 pic.twitter.com/r40AQ86alQ
Therefore, he became comfortable using his right hand for shooting, even though his dominant hand is his left.
While talking to the NBA reporters, he explained why and how he can easily shoot with his right hand, saying:
“I have no idea how I became a right-handed basketball player. I think maybe it was because of Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, guys that I looked up to growing up. Seeing those guys shoot righty, I guess I’ll shoot righty. I’m pretty much a left-hand guy. I don’t take many of those shots, but I’m capable of making those shots. I work on my craft. I work on both hands. I just thought I guess it looked cool, until I got older and I wish I was a lefty, because those shots look a lot better.”
This combination of left-hand in personal life and right-hand shooting on the court has given LeBron a rare versatility.
Over his two decades in the league, LeBron has shown that defenders cannot force him to one side of the court, as he possesses the strength and skill to adapt regardless of the direction.
In Case You Don’t Know
- Before focusing solely on basketball, LeBron played football and was a standout wide receiver in high school.
- In 2018, LeBron opened the I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, to help at-risk children.
- LeBron starred in the 2015 Space Jam: A New Legacy, a sequel to Michael Jordan’s original Space Jam movie.
