Dwight Howard Mocks Lebron James’ Pregame Rituals, But Doesn’t Affect the Heat Star’s Performance

As if Lebron James needed any other motivation to dominate a basketball game.

The Miami Heat forward was subject to pre-game mockery on Thursday at the hands of Orlando center Dwight Howard.

Before the game, Howard poked fun at James' pregame rituals, imitating his infamous chalk toss, as well as taking fake photos of his Magic teammates — both of which James had been known to do while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, huffingtonpost.com reports. 

That was all the Miami All-Star needed to get game-ready. Despite Howard's best attempts to throw James off his game, the forward came out on fire. He made his first 11 shots, while scoring 23 points in just the first quarter. James ended up posting career numbers in his team's win with 51 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

Nice try, Howard.