“The King”, “The Chosen One”, “The Akron Hammer”… LeBron James is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport. James played for the Cleveland Cavaliers until 2010, when his decision to leave for the Miami Heat sparked a wave of controversy. His departure led to new titles: “selfish,” “heartless,” and the master of “cowardly betrayal.” He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, ultimately guiding them to an unexpected victory in 2016. Against this backdrop, Rajiv Joseph, the playwright behind King James, skillfully weaves together themes of race, success, and American identity with the legacy of LeBron James.
Joseph, a self-described “super fan” of basketball, channels his love for the game into this play. Although I’ve never quite understood or cared to learn the rules of basketball—often seeing it as a version of netball, just with more physicality—I left the theater with a sudden, insatiable desire to watch the 2016 NBA finals. Despite the valiant efforts of my male family members and friends to teach me about the sport, it was Rajiv Joseph who ultimately sparked my appreciation for how basketball can bring people together and change lives.
The play centers around two friends, Matt (played by Sam Mitchell) and Shawn (played by Enyi Okoronkwo), who bond over basketball and maintain their friendship throughout LeBron’s career. The dialogue feels natural and authentic, immersing the audience in a deeply human portrayal of male friendship that is both touching and poignant. Each joke lands effortlessly, and there were moments in the play that brought a tear to my eye. The actors’ performances were convincing and real—I’m still in awe of their seamless portrayal of their characters as I reflect on the experience. While Joseph’s sharp and unpretentious writing certainly enhanced the production, it was the casting of the two lead actors that made it stand out as truly exceptional.
Though the production doesn’t feature any actual basketball gameplay, the energy of the sport is ever-present. The play is structured in four scenes, which Joseph likens to “four quarters of a game.” The transitions between scenes mimic the rhythm of a basketball game, with dramatic lighting effects and powerful music that recreate the intensity of a live match. The intimate venue offered an ideal setting for this, and director Alice Hamilton made the most of the space. The traverse stage design brought the audience closer to the action, allowing them to feel included in the dialogue, while the clever choreography added to the realism and success of the production. The minimalist yet highly effective set design replicated various locations, from a vacant wine bar to a curious emporium, adding depth and context to the story.
King James uses basketball as a platform to explore complex issues. As Joseph himself has said, “I think [LeBron James] would enjoy hearing the passionate and sometimes insane ramblings of two fans who seek deeper meaning in the legacies of players.” On the surface, it’s a play about basketball, but beneath that is a warm, tender, and realistic depiction of two ordinary men, both basketball fanatics, navigating their lives together. As I mentioned earlier, I have no particular interest in basketball, yet this hasn’t stopped me from recommending this production to everyone I know. It’s a play that transcends the sport, and I would encourage anyone to see it.
Playwright: Rajiv Joseph
Director: Alice Hamilton
Cast: Sam Mitchell and Enyi Okoronkwo
Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes (including interval)
Until: 4th January 2025