During a recent Los Angeles Lakers game, cameras caught LeBron James sniffing a small object on the sideline before checking in — and the internet immediately exploded with conspiracy theories. The viral clip, which has circulated across social media platforms, sparked speculation that James was using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). But in reality, what he was doing was far more innocent — and legal.
According to multiple athletic experts and trainers online, LeBron was simply using smelling salts, a common pre-game stimulant used by athletes in every major sport. The compound releases ammonia gas, which irritates the nasal membranes and stimulates a sharp inhalation reflex, giving athletes a quick jolt of alertness before action.
For those familiar with powerlifting or high-intensity training, this is nothing new. Smelling salts are a legal, over-the-counter tool used by athletes to wake themselves up or lock in focus before a critical moment — like checking into a high-stakes NBA game.
Still, that didn’t stop online trolls from running wild with speculation.
This isn’t the first time LeBron James has faced rumors about PED use. Last month, podcaster Patrick Bet-David speculated that James may be using human growth hormones (HGH) to maintain his elite form at 40. Bet-David even referenced a connection between James’ associates and the infamous Biogenesis scandal — though no evidence ever linked LeBron to any wrongdoing.
In fact, during the Biogenesis investigation, the DEA cleared LeBron of any connection to performance-enhancing drugs. Former NBA veteran Ron Harper also came to LeBron’s defense, urging critics to let James play without unfair scrutiny.
Despite the noise, LeBron James continues to perform at a level few 40-year-olds in professional sports have ever reached. He’s averaging over 25 points per game, dishing out assists, and still showing flashes of his explosive athleticism.
So whether he’s dunking in transition or giving himself a mid-game boost with smelling salts, one thing is clear: LeBron is locked in. And unless something concrete ever comes to light, it might be time for the trolls to find something else to sniff out.
