Key Highlights:
- LeBron James narrowly defeated YouTube creator Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) 6-5 in a charity three-point shooting contest, securing $100,000 for the LeBron James Family Foundation.
- Filmed in Akron, Ohio, the challenge was featured in Donaldson’s content supporting young cancer survivors alongside other celebrity appearances.
- On the court, the Philadelphia 76ers maintained their Eastern Conference lead with a 109-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets while resting James and Joel Embiid.
LeBron James Edges Out MrBeast in High-Stakes Charity Shootout
NBA superstar LeBron James required every single second on the clock to secure a dramatic 6-5 victory against prominent YouTube personality Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, in a high-stakes charity three-point shooting contest. The narrow win secured a $100,000 donation directed to the LeBron James Family Foundation. The face-off was showcased in Donaldson’s video, Beat LeBron, Win $100,000, which was filmed in Akron, Ohio, during James’ offseason prior to signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.
The charity competition took place in front of an enthusiastic audience of young cancer survivors. Acknowledging that perimeter shooting is not the defining hallmark of his storied career compared to other NBA legends, James brought a humorous perspective before stepping onto the court for the timed, one-minute contest. “I’m no Steph Curry, but I can make a couple of shots,”
LeBron joked before the contest began. While Donaldson missed his initial warm-up practice attempt, giving the four-time NBA champion an early boost of confidence, the matchup unfolded into an unexpectedly tight contest.
Down to the Wire: A Dramatic One-Minute Contest
Although Donaldson’s peers initially cast doubt on the creator’s odds against an active professional basketball player, MrBeast mounted an impressive comeback after a slow start. James jumped out to an early advantage, but Donaldson settled into a rhythm midway through the minute, tying the score as the countdown progressed. James managed to pull ahead in the waning seconds, finishing with six made baskets to Donaldson’s five. The down-to-the-wire finish ensured the full $100,000 contribution was awarded to James’ charitable organization.
The three-point duel served as a centerpiece for a broader philanthropic endeavor documented in Donaldson’s July video, I Helped 100 Kids Fight Cancer. The overarching project brought together high-profile public figures and organizations to provide memorable experiences for pediatric patients. Beyond the basketball challenge with James, the initiative featured a special film screening with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, an exclusive meeting with popular K-pop group Stray Kids, and an interactive day hosted by the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.
Short-Handed 76ers Secure Gutsy Win Against Charlotte Hornets
While James made waves online through the charity video, he was absent from the hardwood on Saturday night as the Philadelphia 76ers rallied to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 109-104. Alongside James, the 76ers opted to rest franchise center Joel Embiid following a demanding 98-93 NBA Cup victory over the New York Knicks just one evening earlier. In their absence, guard Tyrese Maxey shouldered the primary offensive load, pouring in a game-high 38 points, while guard Anfernee Simons provided 19 crucial points off the bench.
The Hornets mounted a fierce fourth-quarter push, claiming a 97-90 advantage with five minutes remaining after Brandon Miller rejected a layup attempt by V.J. Edgecombe and assisted Moussa Diabate for a transition slam. Philadelphia steadily erased the deficit behind Simons’ scoring before Maxey sank two go-ahead free throws with 1:22 remaining. Edgecombe followed with a clutch three-pointer to extend the margin. Despite 27 points from Grayson Allen and 24 from Miller, Charlotte faltered late following a missed uncontested layup by Sion James. Maxey and starting forward Jaylen Brown, who contributed 16 points, closed out the game at the charity stripe to improve Philadelphia to six wins on the campaign and preserve their spot atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Why This Matters
The collaboration between LeBron James and Jimmy Donaldson underscores the growing synergy between premier professional sports figures and digital-first creators to mobilize resources for high-impact social causes. By channeling viral entertainment into concrete philanthropy, Donaldson’s platform directed critical funding to the LeBron James Family Foundation while providing morale-boosting experiences for pediatric cancer patients. Simultaneously, Philadelphia’s ability to pull off a comeback road victory without both James and Joel Embiid demonstrates the 76ers’ roster depth, shooting efficiency, and resilience as they look to maintain momentum in early-season Eastern Conference play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did LeBron James win for charity in the contest?
LeBron James secured a $100,000 donation for the LeBron James Family Foundation by defeating Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) 6-5 in a one-minute three-point shooting challenge.
Where and when was the shootout with MrBeast filmed?
The challenge was recorded in Akron, Ohio, during James’ offseason prior to joining the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, and was released as part of Donaldson’s charity video series supporting cancer survivors.
Did LeBron James play in the Philadelphia 76ers’ win over the Charlotte Hornets?
No, James did not play. The 76ers rested both James and Joel Embiid on Saturday night, relying on a 38-point performance from Tyrese Maxey to secure a 109-104 victory over the Hornets.
