ESPN cameras catch LeBron James doing strange court test before game, NBA fans call Lakers star ‘next level’

When LeBron James took to the Los Angeles Lakers’ new in-season championship court, he wasn’t taking any chances.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer was spotted testing every inch of the hardwood before the Lakers’ in-season championship game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Starting with the 2023-24 season, the NBA will implement in-season tournaments, which means there will be new courts for dedicated games each time.

At Crypto.com Arena, the home of the Lakers, the team laid out yellow and purple striped hardwood, a big departure from the lighter traditional colors.

Before the game, James walked onto the court early, dragging his sneakers and squeaking on the floor to inspect the scene.

In the 56-second video shared by ESPN and the Lakers, he walks across the court from baseline to baseline.

After getting his approval, everything went smoothly.

Fans on social media joked about the bizarre video.

One wrote: “LeExtra.”

A second quipped: “He made sure Anthony Davis didn’t slip.”

Another added: “Look for failure.”

A fourth said: “Next level veterans moving in to check out the new floors.”

A pregame court inspection may have helped the Lakers beat the Grizzlies 134-107.

The future Hall of Famer contributed 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists in the win.

The next day came back-to-back games against the Sacramento Kings, and unfortunately LeBron and the Lakers’ three-game winning streak was halted.

Despite this, the four-time NBA champion recorded a 28-point triple-double at the age of 38.

James still shows no signs of slowing down in his 21st season, averaging 24.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 11 games this year.

The Kings and 6-6 Lakers next face the 3-8 Portland Trail Blazers in another in-season tournament game on Friday night.