It is a photo that basically defines the modern era of sports. February 2023. Crypto.com Arena. LeBron James is suspended in mid-air, fading away to hit the shot that would officially make him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. But if you look at the crowd behind him, you don’t see faces. You see a sea of glowing rectangles.
Almost every single person in that multi-million dollar front row was watching the greatest moment in basketball history through a six-inch screen. Honestly, it’s a bit poetic. LeBron James on phone is a concept that exists in two worlds: the world of fans obsessed with capturing him, and the world where LeBron himself uses his device to run a billion-dollar empire.
He’s not just a guy checking Twitter. Well, he does that too, but there’s a lot more going on.
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The Viral Moments: Why We’re Obsessed with LeBron’s Screen Time
We’ve all seen the clips. Sometimes it’s LeBron on the bench, completely locked into his phone while the game is still going on. People lose their minds. "Is he checking the box score? Is he texting Maverick Carter about a movie deal? Is he just scrolling through IG to see what Bronny posted?"
Most recently, a moment went viral involving LeBron and his new coach, JJ Redick. During a game against the Suns in late 2025, LeBron actually missed a play call because he was too busy chatting with the opposing bench. Redick had to call a timeout just to get his attention. While it wasn't a "phone" moment per se, it highlighted the modern distraction of the game. But when the phone does come out, it’s usually business.
That Famous FaceTime Habit
LeBron treats FaceTime like his primary mode of communication. We’ve seen him on FaceTime with Drake, with Kevin Hart, and famously with his son, Bronny, during some of the most pivotal moments of the last two years.
When Bronny was drafted by the Lakers in June 2024, the world didn't just get a press release. We got the raw, emotional reaction. LeBron was basically speechless, posting "NO WORDS!!" to his Instagram followers (which, by the way, is north of 150 million people). That phone is his direct line to the world, bypassing the traditional media filter he’s had to deal with since he was sixteen.
What Kind of Phone Does LeBron Actually Use?
This is where it gets kinda funny. For years, LeBron was the face of Samsung. You remember those commercials where he’s using the Galaxy Note to "strategize" or "goof off" in the locker room? He was a paid ambassador.
But the internet never forgets.
Back in 2014, LeBron accidentally tweeted that his phone "erased everything and rebooted" and called it "one of the sickest feelings I've ever had." Samsung probably wasn't thrilled. Then there was the infamous 2016 locker room photo where his Samsung was sitting on the table, but he was clearly holding an iPhone with a white battery case.
Fast forward to 2026, and it’s pretty clear he’s an iPhone guy for his personal life. Most celebrities are. The blue bubbles matter, even if you’re a billionaire.
The Business of Being LeBron (Mobile Edition)
You've got to realize that for King James, the phone isn't a distraction. It's a terminal. He’s the first active NBA player to become a billionaire, and he didn't do that just by shooting hoops.
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- Uninterrupted & The Shop: He uses his platforms to control the narrative. He’s often seen reviewing clips or approving social copy right from his device during travel.
- DraftKings & Partnerships: As a high-profile partner for betting and lifestyle brands, his social media engagement is literally worth millions. A single post from his phone can move stock prices or drive tens of thousands of app downloads.
- The Family Business: He’s famously protective. He didn't even let Bronny have a phone until he was 11 because he wanted him to "grow up slower." Now, they're teammates, likely sharing a group chat with the rest of the Lakers roster.
Managing the Noise: The Digital Detox
Despite being "online" constantly, LeBron is also a master of the "Zero Dark Thirty" protocol.
For years, during the playoffs, he would go completely dark on social media. No Twitter, no Instagram, no distractions. He would literally hand his phone off or just delete the apps to find a mental edge. While he's loosened up on this in the twilight of his career, the discipline is still there.
He’s spoken about the link between happiness and less screen time in interviews with students at his I Promise School. He tells them that while the phone is a tool, being in the room with the people you love is the real win.
Why It Matters for You
Watching LeBron navigate the digital world is actually a decent blueprint for the rest of us. He uses the phone for three specific things:
- Direct Communication: Skipping the middleman to talk to his fans.
- Empire Management: Real-time business decisions.
- Family Connection: Staying close to his kids even when he’s on a 10-day road trip.
Steps to Handle Your Device Like a Pro
If you want to emulate the King’s approach to technology, stop scrolling aimlessly. Start by auditing your notifications. LeBron doesn't have "random fan #402" buzzing his pocket; he only lets the inner circle in.
- Set a "Game Mode" for your life: When you’re working or with family, the phone stays in the locker room.
- Use your platform: You don't need 150 million followers to be authentic. Use your digital presence to build your own "brand," whatever that looks like for you.
- Go dark when it counts: If you have a big project or a "postseason" moment in your career, delete the distractions.
The goal isn't to be LeBron James on phone—it’s to make sure you're the one holding the phone, and the phone isn't holding you. Focus on the "Live" version of your life first. The highlights can wait for the upload later.