LeBron James Reflects on Hosting "Saturday Night Live" Five Years Ago
SAN FRANCISCO – It’s been half a decade since LeBron James, the only active NBA player to host "Saturday Night Live," graced the iconic stage on September 29, 2007. As the long-running sketch comedy show gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, James couldn’t help but reminisce about his appearance.
"Being a part of the ‘Saturday Night Live’ legacy is a dream come true," James remarked. "It’s been a part of my entire life, and to see so many great actors and entertainers perform there every Saturday—it was an honor."
James, who was only 21 or 22 at the time, admitted that the experience was "super fun." He particularly enjoyed his sketch where he played one-on-one against an overly cocky production assistant portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, which later made USA TODAY Sports’ list of favorite "SNL" sports sketches.
"I would love to do it again," James said. "It was definitely a treat, and it’s something I can always look back on and say, ‘I was on a show that Will Ferrell and so many other great guys have been on.’ Bill Hader is a good friend of mine, so it was pretty cool."
James’ hosting gig came at a pivotal point in his career. He had just led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history, and he was quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in sports.
Appearing on "SNL" allowed James to showcase his comedic chops and connect with a wider audience beyond the basketball court. His sketches were well-received by critics and fans alike, and he proved to be a natural performer.
In the years since his hosting appearance, James has continued to dominate the NBA, winning four NBA championships, four NBA MVP awards, and four NBA Finals MVP awards. He is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
But even with all his success on the court, James still looks back on his time on "Saturday Night Live" with fondness. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed him to step outside his comfort zone and share his love of laughter with the world.
As "Saturday Night Live" celebrates its 50th anniversary, LeBron James stands as a testament to the show’s enduring appeal and its ability to bring together the worlds of sports, comedy, and entertainment.
