NBA’s Wildest Flirting Scandals: When Players Shoot Their Shot Off the Court
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Dwyane Wade once flirted with his interviewer on live TV, and the world almost couldn’t believe it. But if you think that’s wild, wait till you hear about Ben Simmons getting caught flirting with his friend’s fiancée. NBA players have a long history of crossing lines—on and off the court. Grab your popcorn as we dive into some of the craziest flirting scandals in NBA history!
LeBron James: The King of Charm LeBron James isn’t just one of basketball’s greatest—he’s also a magnet for attention off the court. From his high school days as “The Chosen One” to becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron has always been in the spotlight. During a recent Lakers-Warriors matchup, cameras caught LeBron sharing laughs and a fist bump with South African star Tyla, sparking rumors online. And it’s not the first time—LeBron was once caught flirting with a reporter after a game, joking that her presence brought the team good luck.
Kevin Durant: Blowing Kisses to Fans Kevin Durant’s basketball résumé is legendary, but he’s also known for his playful side. In one memorable moment, KD blew a kiss to a fan during a game, sending social media into a frenzy. Durant’s not shy about showing love to his supporters, making him one of the most charismatic stars in the league.
Steph Curry: Family Man, Fan Magnet Steph Curry changed basketball forever, but being a devoted husband and father doesn’t stop fans from crushing on him. In 2016, a model went viral for openly flirting with Curry, proving that even family men aren’t immune to attention from admirers.
Luka Dončić: Flirting with the Referee Luka Dončić plays with swagger and fun, and he’s not afraid to show it. During a Mavericks-Pelicans game, Luka jokingly told referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich, “I’m fouling in love with you,” mixing frustration with flirtation and creating a viral moment that fans couldn’t stop talking about.
Kyle Kuzma: TikTok Flirt Kyle Kuzma grew up in tough Flint, Michigan, but basketball was his escape. During the COVID-19 sports pause, Kuzma shot his shot at TikTok superstar Addison Rae, posting a flirty dance video and tagging her. It was playful and lighthearted, showing NBA stars get creative when the games stop.
Kobe Bryant: Legendary and Flirtatious Kobe Bryant was a legend on the court and a charmer off it. In interviews, Kobe’s playful flirtation with supermodel Cindy Crawford made headlines, especially when he joked about the meaning of his name and referenced “dribbling before shooting” in a way that was definitely not about basketball.
Jason Tatum: TikTok Drama Jason Tatum is a rising NBA superstar, but he’s also found himself in flirty situations. Zach LaVine’s sister Cameron openly flirted with Tatum on TikTok, even though Tatum’s been with singer Ella Mai for years. It’s all harmless fun—except maybe for Zach, who has to watch his sister crush on a rival.
Dwyane Wade: Turning the Tables Dwyane Wade is a Miami Heat legend and a three-time NBA champion. He’s also known for his charm, especially during interviews. Wade once turned the tables on a Fox Sports reporter, asking about her birthday plans and dropping hints that he wanted to see her more over the weekend—effortless flirting that made headlines.
JaVale McGee: Flirting with the Interviewer JaVale McGee, a three-time NBA champion, is famous for his playful personality. During a postgame interview, he grabbed the reporter’s microphone and started asking her questions, complimenting her outfit and keeping things lighthearted. McGee’s fun-loving nature makes him a fan favorite on and off the court.
Ben Simmons: No Boundaries Ben Simmons, an NBA All-Star, made headlines for flirting with comedian Michael Blackson’s fiancée—while he was dating Kendall Jenner. Blackson introduced Simmons to his fiancée, only to find Simmons still messaging her after his breakup. When confronted, Simmons shrugged it off, saying they weren’t really friends.
Dwight Howard: King of Romance and Drama Dwight Howard has five children with five different women and a reputation for being one of the league’s biggest flirts. During a postgame interview, Howard’s suggestive comments to a blonde reporter went viral, and his off-court antics have kept him in the headlines for years.
Shaquille O’Neal: Big Love, Big Personality Shaq is a basketball legend and a pop culture icon. He’s known for showering female fans with kisses and affection, both during games and interviews. Shaq’s larger-than-life persona and humor make him a magnet for fans everywhere.
Kenneth Faried: The Object of Admiration Kenneth Faried, “The Manimal,” is known for his hustle and rebounding. But sometimes, it’s his charm that steals the show. In one interview, a reporter couldn’t resist mixing flattery with her questions, leaving Faried caught off guard but classy.
Tristan Thompson: The King of Drama Tristan Thompson is the NBA’s unofficial king of controversy. From cheating scandals to flirty interactions with reporters, Tristan knows how to keep the headlines coming. Whether cozying up to mystery women or pulling cheesy moves on sports reporters, Thompson’s off-court antics are as unpredictable as his game.
From playful interviews to viral social media moments, NBA stars have proven they know how to shoot their shot off the court as well as on it. Want more wild NBA stories? Click on any card on your screen to watch more content!
