J. Cole explains LeBron James’ role in the release of ‘The Fall-Off’ album.
LeBron James has been featured in numerous memes over the years, and now the background of one such instance has come to light.
Prior to the Los Angeles Lakers’ road game on March 19 against the Miami Heat, James arrived at the Kaseya Center dressed for warm weather in shorts, a short-sleeve button-up shirt, and a bucket hat.
Amidst James’ stylish appearance, fans noticed a particular item that stood out during his entrance — he was holding a vinyl record of rapper J. Cole’s most recent album, “The Fall-Off,” in his right hand. However, it was not merely for show.
On Carmelo Anthony’s recent “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, the rapper, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, shared the reason behind the Lakers star carrying his album.
“On his way, he had The Fall-Off vinyl — he brought it so I could sign it,” Cole stated.
J. Cole explains the backstory behind Bron carrying the 'Fall Off' vinyl π pic.twitter.com/clWdiUbWzd
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) March 24, 2026
The North Carolina-born rapper mentioned that he reached out to James because he would be present at the Lakers’ away game against Miami and wanted his children to meet the 22-year NBA veteran. J. Cole also noted that James is his oldest son’s favorite player.
“My oldest [is] getting into basketball, Bron is his No. 1, and I hit Bron and he graciously said he would do it,” Cole remarked.
While Cole and his children watched the Lakers secure a 134-126 victory over the Heat, led by Luka Doncic’s 60-point game and James’ contributions of 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, he expressed his enthusiasm about James meeting his children, which resonated deeply as a celebrity.
“This man was doing me a solid. … Bro, that s— was the craziest feeling like to see your kids like meet a superhero — that was my first time ever doing some s— like that,” Cole shared.
“And it made me appreciate all the times that there was a father or something that had their kid and I get to sign … or autograph or take a picture. I like ‘Oh my god.’ I hear the father in my mind, ‘Man, I really appreciate this bro, thank you.’ But now that I’ve been through it, I’m like, ‘Oh, I know what he meant now.’ … You gave my son a lifelong memory, so shoutout to Bron for that.”
Cole’s “The Fall-Off” marks his seventh studio album. The 24-track project was released on February 6, featuring collaborations with artists such as Future, Tems, Erykah Badu, and others.
James is currently averaging 21 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.9 assists during the 2025-26 regular season.
