LeBron James explained the courtside wine incident during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, revealing that he took a sip after accidentally spilling some of a fan’s drink.
James crashed into a courtside fan while chasing the ball out of bounds, then briefly picked up the man’s beverage. Asked about the moment after the game, James confirmed what happened.
“I spilled some of his wine. I crashed into him. Spilled some of his wine,” James said. “So, I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm, man. You know, how good it was. It was all right.”
The 76ers star also explained why he has been enjoying himself throughout the season, pointing to the importance of appreciating small moments during a long NBA campaign.
“Listen, I mean, it’s a long marathon, and if you don’t find ways to have fun throughout it, even though you’re working and even though you’re locked in, then it could wear on you,” James said.
“For me, especially at this point in my career, being able to appreciate the moments, the small moments,” he added. “These fans are great to us. We try to be great to them as well by playing the game the right way, playing the game hard.”
James finished with 15 points, nine assists and seven rebounds as Philadelphia won its fourth consecutive game. He also helped orchestrate the offense, with the 76ers recording 23 assists on their first 25 made baskets.
The fan, identified as Troy Clemens, also described the encounter. He said James apologized after spilling the drink, took a sip and returned to the court.
“I’m just glad for him to be here,” Clemens said. “I’m not worried about the wine getting on me. I appreciate everything the Sixers is doing, and I’m here to have a good time.”
Asked about the cup after people online suggested he should keep it because James had used it, Clemens dismissed the idea.
“At the end of the day, he another man like me and he’s a regular,” Clemens said. “I mean, he’s LeBron, but at the end of the day, I threw that cup in the trash.”
James and the 76ers improved to 7-1 with Monday’s victory. Philadelphia visits the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
