VIDEO: ‘LeBroning’ goes viral

MANILA, Philippines – When Miami Heat star LeBron James decided to turn the practice of overreacting to minimal contact into an art form, he couldn’t have imagined he’d be starting a revolution. 

Born out of the 4-time NBA MVP’s penchant for “flopping,” or overselling a minor bump to draw a foul, “Lebroning” has become the latest viral craze, with fans all over the world bouncing off the floor in front of unsuspecting strangers on YouTube in an homage to James.

Flopping isn’t a LeBron James invention, however. Retired Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer popularized the practice during the 1980s, with his portrayals of a helpless victim usually proceeding his own nefarious deeds. Former Sacramento Kings center Vlade Divac used the practice as his primary form of defense against Shaquille O’Neal during the early 2000s.

James, whose Heat are second in the Eastern Conference with a 27-10 record, has perfected the flop, however, much in the way that Argentinian boxer Niccolino Loche invented the shoulder roll defense that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has trademarked.

So, for your viewing pleasure, here is the best of “LeBroning.”

Now, watch the master.