The On Air Wardrobe Malfunction That LeBron James Wants You To Forget

LeBron James is a man of many talents, but what he does best is usually showcased on the basketball court. As it turns out, James is also a man of great substance and great style. In an interview with Ralph Lauren Television back in 2008, James explained that while growing up, his family always played songs from The Temptations or The O'Jays during "chore days" on Saturdays — and for a good reason. "From nice music, you get style from that," he said. "I've used that with what I've got on now, or when you see me in magazines or on the court. I've always told myself 'When you look good, you play good.'" At the same time, he doesn't believe it's important to be seen as a style icon. "It's not for everyone," he continued. "Not everyone looks good in a suit, and it doesn't necessarily work for everyone." 

That said, there was one wardrobe malfunction caught on camera that James would certainly like for everyone to forget. And it had nothing to do with his personal style, either.

Back in 2015, LeBron James had a wardrobe malfunction that was akin to Janet Jackson's infamous Super Bowl scandal with Justin Timberlake in 2004. Even though James likely knew that the cameras were on him, he must have zoned out when he got ready to take the court for game four of the NBA Finals. The NBA star was adjusting his shorts — maybe just a little too much — when the world caught a glimpse of James' manhood on live television. While it certainly was a "blink and you'll miss it" moment, it was enough to make headlines all over the world as the moment went viral almost instantly, according to Sports Illustrated. Of course, it didn't take very long for the internet to weigh in on the matter. One fan tweeted, "Post headline? 'Junk in the Trunks.'" Another wrote, "Can you take that in to a mechanic to fix the alignment? Asking for a friend."

And while the internet sure had a field day with what might have been James' most embarrassing moment on television, he made a huge fashion statement with this style overhaul later that year.

While an awkward and embarrassing wardrobe malfunction might make one reconsider their fashion choices, LeBron James appeared unfazed. In fact, he did the opposite of what some people might have expected him to do after his on-air faux pas. Later that year, James decided to make his shorts even shorter in order to make him look more professional. Apparently, James thought his jersey shorts looked too baggy, and he wanted to look a little more polished on the court. He also wanted to send out a message to all of the kids who watch that appearance matters. "I'm always thinking about ways I can be of help," James explained to Cleveland.com. "That's what it's about, making sure you're doing your part."

And while the then Cleveland Cavaliers star did end up wearing shorts that were a few inches shorter for the rest of that season, James said that this fashion statement was all part of his calling. "Everything I do is for the people I love. I was just brought up that way," he added. That's said by a truly stylish man, both inside and out.