‘Doing Irreversible Damage to His Legacy,’ ‘Gotta Hang It Up’ — NBA Fans React As LeBron James Gets Chase-Down Blocked in 76ers-Pacers Clash

LeBron James was chased down and blocked from behind during the Philadelphia 76ers' matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

The rejection came from a Pacers reserve, and fans wasted little time turning the play into a conversation about the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar's age and whether he should retire.

LeBron James' Viral Moment vs. Pacers Fuels Retirement Talk Among Fans

The four-time MVP went up for a transition layup in the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, but Pacers forward Jalen Slawson caught him from behind and erased the shot. Officials initially called a foul before Indiana successfully challenged the ruling. The two spoke after the play.

Slawson, one of Indiana's two-way players, was getting minutes with the Pacers short-handed. He finished with 2 points in 12 minutes.

NBA Central posted the clip with the caption: "LeBron just got blocked on a chase down."

YouTuber and streamer Dom2K responded : "McQueen is fading."

One fan compared the 76ers star's current form to his play in previous seasons: "You can tell he's lost a step even from last year's playoffs against Houston. He got chase down blocked by a bench player in the beginning of the game. LeBron 8 years ago punches that."

Another fan imagined the four-time NBA Finals MVP discussing the moment after his retirement: "This is the play LeBron will reference on Mind The Game podcast when he talks about when he knew it was time to retire."

One reaction suggested this could be his final year: "Might be Bron last season."

Another was more direct : "LeBron's gotta hang it up after getting chased down blocked."

A later response questioned what another season might do to his legacy: "This gotta be LeBron's last season man. Bro out here doing irreversible damage to his legacy."

Philadelphia trailed by 13 entering the fourth quarter after Indiana went on a 17-0 run in the third. Tyrese Maxey scored 17 points in the final period as the 76ers rallied for a 114-109 win.

James contributed to the comeback. He blocked Kelly Oubre Jr. to set up a Maxey fast-break layup, hit a 3-pointer that cut Indiana's lead to 5 points, and found Joel Embiid for a layup and a foul.

The 41-year-old finished with 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting in 33 minutes. He added 5 rebounds, and his 10 assists led the 76ers. He did not commit a turnover and blocked 2 shots, matching Indiana's total for the game.