🏀 NBA Players Who Secretly Love the IPL (Yes, You Read That Right)

 🏀 NBA Players Who Secretly Love the IPL (Yes, You Read That Right)

NBA payers
NBA payers

🏏 When the Slam Dunk Meets the Cover Drive

It sounds like a fever dream: LeBron James doing bhangra at an IPL match, or Steph Curry reverse-sweeping a Yorker. But the truth? IPL has fans in places you wouldn’t imagine — like NBA locker rooms.

Let’s meet the hoop gods who low-key (or high-key) vibe with our cricketing carnival. Spoiler alert: there's admiration, Instagram stories, and even jersey swaps.

1. Steve Smith (NBA – Former) & Cricket… Not That Steve Smith!

Nope, not the Aussie batter. We're talking about former NBA player Steve Smith, who once confessed during a broadcast that he watches Indian cricket for its sheer drama.
While not IPL-specific, he compared Virat Kohli’s aggression to "Russell Westbrook on a triple-double spree."
If that’s not praise, I don’t know what is.

📢 Funny quote:
"Cricket is the only sport where the players stop for tea. I respect that level of chill." – Some NBA dude, probably.

2. Chris Paul – The Tactical Brain

According to an interview with ESPN India, Chris Paul once watched an IPL game during his visit to London and said,
"The strategies, the team switching, the crowd energy – it's like March Madness on fire!"

He was particularly intrigued by how IPL trades work, comparing it to the NBA trade deadline madness.
No word yet on whether he’s applied to become Gujarat Titans' tactical consultant, though.

3. LeBron James – The King 👑 of Curiosity

LeBron hasn’t explicitly said, “Yo, I love IPL,” but his SpringHill Entertainment team once explored cricket docuseries ideas – IPL was on the radar.
He also follows Virat Kohli on Instagram. Coincidence? I think not.
(Also, Kohli follows LeBron back. The bromance is brewing.)

⚰️ Dark humor moment:
LeBron probably tried understanding Duckworth-Lewis and now has PTSD.

4. Shaquille O'Neal – The Wildcard Pick

Yes, big Shaq Daddy. He once danced with Indian dancers during an IPL-themed promo in Mumbai for Hotstar.
He even wore an MI jersey. It was chaotic, magical, and meme-worthy.

🔥 He reportedly said, “Cricket is wild, bro. It's like baseball on Red Bull.”

5. Dwight Howard – Unexpected Love for Indian Culture

Dwight Howard posted multiple times about India and its culture, and during a visit, he watched an IPL match and said he loved the energy and the fireworks.
Imagine Dwight in the Chepauk crowd waving a CSK flag?
Yeah. Goosebumps.

Bonus: Ben Simmons & the Delhi Capitals Jersey

NBA fans went nuts when a photoshopped image of Ben Simmons in a Delhi Capitals jersey made rounds on Twitter.
It wasn’t real — but it fooled so many fans, Simmons trended in both India and Philly.

📢 Funny line:
If Simmons really did play IPL, he’d be great at “not scoring.”

🎁 IPL Gear for Your Inner Cricketer (With Affiliate Links)

Whether you’re an NBA fan just discovering cricket or a cricketer dreaming of dunking, here’s some sweet cricket gear to check out:

🏏 SS Complete Cricket Kit (Youth Size)

Perfect for beginners and basketball converts!

Features: Full gear kit including bat, pads, gloves, and helmet.
Price: ₹3,499
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5 – over 2,000 ratings)



🏏 MRF Virat Kohli Genius Grand Edition Bat

Because you can’t dunk, but you can drive.

Features: Premium English Willow, endorsed by Kohli.
Price: ₹14,999
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 – amazing feedback)



🧤 SG Batting Gloves – Pro Edition

For the next RCB practice sesh with LeBron.

Features: Strong grip, great protection, stylish design.
Price: ₹1,399
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆



🎒 SS Premium Cricket Kit Bag with Wheels

Because NBA players don’t carry stuff — they roll it.

Features: Spacious, padded, with trolley wheels.
Price: ₹1,999
Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆



🏁 Final Whistle (or Umpire’s Call?)

So there you go. Basketball beasts who can't help but be mesmerized by cricket chaos. The IPL isn't just India's playground anymore — it's a global phenomenon with fans in high places and higher verticals.

And who knows? Maybe the next NBA All-Star break will feature a Kohli vs LeBron backyard cricket match.
Catch us there, live blogging with chana and memes.

📢 Check out the specially crafted articles on IPL, made exclusively for cricket fans around the 🌍!

💬 Dive into the fun, the memes, and the madness! Do comment your views under each article — we love hearing from you! 🏏🔥
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