Small on-court moments characterize an NBA great like LeBron James’ brilliance more than any statistic, and when they do, they often transcend the game in which they are anchored, becoming a symbol of all his accomplishments.

In the LA Lakers’ 107-97 victory against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, James had a moment of this kind. He spun around the defenders and executed a spectacular 360-degree reverse layup, but he lost sight of the ball and fell to the ground.

But he subsequently told reporters, “The fans let me know that I made it.” “And then my teammates allowed me to see it on the Jumbrotron because the technical stoppage of play allowed me to see them running on the floor or doing whatever else they were doing down there.”

Christian Wood earned a tech for leaping onto the court from the bench in his delight, while the team and the audience cheered enthusiastically, with some even shaking their heads in shock.

Disbelief and amazement also erupted on social media; some referred to him as a “artist,” while others labeled it “unreal” or “insane.” On the NBA’s X, formerly Twitter, account alone, the moment has gotten over 1.2 million views as of Sunday morning.

Despite everyone’s surprise, there was a feeling of fitting in with normalcy. After all, LeBron is still LeBron, capable of changing games and producing column inches even at the age of almost 39 and in his 21st NBA season.

And just like the real greats, he has the ability to change who he is on the court in times like these, showing himself to be both LeBron the player and LeBron the legend with all of his dazzling accomplishments.

“That’s right up there, it’s what you come to expect from him,” coach Darvin Ham told reporters afterwards. “But the most impressive thing is at what stage in his career he’s doing it in. He’s breaking barriers it seems every day.”

James added 16 points and seven assists, while Anthony Davis poured in 27 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Lakers to the win.

“It was a crazy shot,” Davis said. “At this point in his career he’s done everything that he literally just goes out and tries stuff and sees what works.”

James later was embroiled in a tense encounter with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, who was ejected afterwards.