Actor Timothée Chalamet recently gave fans a glimpse of a heartfelt encounter between his mother, Nicole Flender, and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. The moment happened during a special podcast recording on Monday night at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, ahead of the episode’s upcoming release.
This interaction took place following Chalamet’s appearance as a guest on James’ podcast, Mind the Game, where they discussed themes relevant to Chalamet’s new film. The encounter showcased a genuine connection between the basketball icon and the actor’s mother, highlighting the personal side behind the public figures.
Behind the Scenes of the Podcast Featuring Timothée Chalamet and LeBron James
Chalamet joined LeBron James and his co-host Steve Nash for a unique edition of Mind the Game, created to promote Chalamet’s new film, Marty Supreme. The movie, produced by A24, has garnered nine Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor nod for Chalamet’s role as table tennis champion Marty Mauser.
Photographs shared by Chalamet on Instagram captured his mother warmly linking arms with LeBron James in a tender embrace, illustrating mutual respect and admiration. Chalamet captioned one of the photos, “Mom and the [GOAT],” referencing James’s standing in basketball.
Nicole Flender had just accompanied her son the day before to the 2026 Actor Awards at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, where the pair appeared on the red carpet in elegant attire. While Flender wore a bright pink gown, Chalamet chose a sharp off-white blazer with black pants.
Encouraging Words Exchanged Between LeBron James and Nicole Flender
A video circulating online captures the moment as Chalamet takes pictures of his mother and James engaged in conversation. Their exchange revealed warmth and mutual encouragement.
I love you. I love you so much.
Nicole Flender expressed.
I love you. You should be proud of your boy, too,
LeBron James replied.
I’m proud of you. Are you kidding? I’m proud of you,
Flender responded, showcasing the genuine affection among them.
Timothée Chalamet’s Passion for Basketball and Upcoming Podcast Release
Beyond his acting career, Chalamet is well-known for his love of basketball, frequently attending New York Knicks games. His recent engagement on podcasts coincides with the busy promotional tour for Marty Supreme.
The new episode of Mind the Game featuring Chalamet is slated to air on Thursday via YouTube and Prime Video. Fans can expect discussions about ambition and excellence, mirroring the movie’s central message.
Impact of Marty Supreme and Chalamet’s Oscar Prospects
Marty Supreme has become A24’s most successful release to date, earning $157.2 million worldwide since its debut on Christmas Day. Chalamet’s intense preparation for the role, particularly mastering table tennis, has earned widespread critical praise as well as audience admiration.
At 30 years old, Chalamet is considered a front-runner to win his first Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15. This nomination marks his third, following earlier nods for Call Me by Your Name in 2018 and A Complete Unknown in 2025, though he has yet to win the coveted Best Actor trophy.
https://twitter.com/timotheeupdates/status/2028996429251760253
LeBron James meets Timothée Chalamet's mom: "You should be proud of your boy" pic.twitter.com/6fgpo5gM6e
— StatHunter (@stat_hunter) March 4, 2026
