Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett rewrote NFL history Sunday. He took down Joe Burrow for his 23rd sack of the season during the Browns’ 20-18 close victory over Cincinnati Bengals. And LeBron James, being one of his well-wishers, celebrated in his own way.
James didn’t waste time showing love to his fellow Cleveland legend. The Lakers star hit social media immediately after the historic sack since both icons share the number 23.
LeBron James Gets Emotional After Myles Garrett Becomes Cleveland’s New Sack King
Garrett achieved his historic milestone in the Browns’ last match of the season after wrapping up the Bengals QB for his 12th career sack. For the unversed, that’s the most he’s sacked any QB in his nine-year career.
The milestone it represented pushed Garrett past Michael Strahan and TJ Watt. Both previously held the record at 22.5 sacks. Shortly after writing a new record, James gave his flowers to Garrett on X.
“CONGRATULATIONS MY GOOD BROTHER!!!!!!! @Flash_Garrett 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💪🏾,” James posted. Garrett did notice his so-called big brother’s note and replied, “Much love, LJ 🙏🏾” with appreciation.
Much love LJ 🙏🏾 https://t.co/dafoKkEHHw
— Myles Garrett (@Flash_Garrett) January 4, 2026
Such a wholesome exchange between cross-sport figures highlighted everything special between Cleveland’s sports icons. Patrick Mahomes, Randy Moss, and Micah Parsons also sent congratulations.
But controversy emerged quickly. Some fans questioned whether Burrow gave up too easily on the play. Replays showed Burrow stepping up in the pocket before going down with minimal resistance. This active debate actually ended up being similar to Michael Strahan’s record-setting sack in 2001.
However, that’s the football controversy. James is doing well in his NBA territory. His chemistry with Luka Dončić is getting better over time, which he admitted after their comeback victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.
LeBron James Details Major Change in His Game with Luka Doncic
James celebrated Garrett’s achievement amid his own adjustments in LA. The 41-year-old is adapting to life next to Luka Doncic. His usage rate dropped to a career-low 26.7% this season.
“When your usage is a little bit down, you cannot afford to be turning the ball over a lot… you barely got the ball in your hand,” James stated in a post-game interview. “So, I just make the most of it.”
LeBron James had 10 ast and just 1 tos Sunday. He’s played more off the ball than ever, sharing the court with Luka and AR, which apparently sharpens his focus when he is on it. “You can’t afford to be turning the ball over a lot if you barely got the ball in your hand” pic.twitter.com/5jsdQzAUOx
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 5, 2026
JJ Redick handed Doncic the keys to the Lakers’ offense and James accepted the reality. He added, “I’ve turned the ball over a fair share in my career. It comes with the territory, having the ball in your hands.”
It is surprising to see that the King isn’t complaining about his new role but making it work.
