Be it 18 or 39, LeBron James’ explosive athleticism has never wavered. The 6’9″ freight train can still get up higher than the rim and outright bully his rivals. At times it’s tough to fathom that he is 39 and still competing with an entirely new generation. Just two years ago, he outpaced Jalen Green, a rookie on a fast break. However, as much as his ‘bounce’ has been praised, what would happen if we went up against the GOAT of gymnastics?

The question was posed to him during the newest episode of The Shop. Actor Damson Idris asked the King whether he could jump higher than Simone Biles, a recipient of seven Olympic gold medals. James didn’t hesitate to concede. After all, even though only 5’6″, Biles can reach as high as 12 feet above the surface, which she did during the Olympic trials for Team USA. Like many, the 39-year-old couldn’t comprehend it.

“She’s she’s not even real. She’s something different. I wouldn’t be surprised if we like turned around and she was like flipping across the buildings you know just land and just you know she’s she’s incredible man,” James said on The Shop.
The Akron Hammer has always shed praise toward the revered gymnast. Not only is she a revolutionary figure for the sport, but she has inspired many women around the world, including his daughter Zhuri. He admitted to it during an ESPN interview where he called Biles the “best” and serving as an inspiration for “my daughter and to all, not only Black girls in the world, but also, kids, anyone, not only just in gymnastics, but any field,”.

But while he acknowledged her greatness, he didn’t get to see her up close. Those from Team USA who did were left floored.

Simone Biles lit up the Olympics for Kevin Durant
Several of the men’s Team USA basketball players wanted to watch Simone Biles in action. Watching her on television, which is just as startling doesn’t capture the gravitas of watching it unravel in attendance. Kevin Durant was among those players joined by Curry, Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, and more.

Maybe receiving a record fourth gold medal is his best memory from Paris. However, barring his historic moment, Biles was his favorite attraction. “I’d never been to a gymnastic event up close like that. Obviously I’d watched [gymnastics] on TV, but it’s different when you’re there. And just to see her greatness, along with the other girls who put so much time into their craft, it’s just amazing to see how great they’ve become,” he told The Athletic in an interview.
Stephen Curry too was in awe of her clutchness. During the all-around competition, Biles began the round making an uncharacteristic mistake. She even admitted to never being more stressed than in that instance. Nonetheless, she collected herself soon after, performing with such elegance that she bagged a gold medal. It came eight years after her first all-around gold in Rio.

As a beacon, Simone Biles has become a catalyst for the growth of gymnastics. She takes her rightful place in history as one of the most influential athletes. And who knows, maybe the 27-year-old will be back in Los Angeles to compete again. She hasn’t closed that door just yet.