LeBron James 'Smiling Through It All' meme, explained: How Instagram story became popular social media reaction

Few players in the NBA are as active on social media as LeBron James.

While the Lakers star's NBA career began before social media was a major part of everyday life, he didn't need long to catch up with the times, establishing a well-known presence on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, especially.

As such, much of what James posts often take on a life of their own as memes.

One of James' most memed posts comes from an Instagram story he shared over six years ago. Here's the story behind James documenting his elation and how it came to be a meme that transcended NBA — and sports — social media.

MORE: The complete timeline of LeBron James at the Olympics

LeBron James 'Smiling Through It All' meme, explained

The meme is a selfie of James in a pool, presumably at his home, smiling while posing with one hand on his head. The photo reads "Smiling through it all! Can't believe this my life"

James posted the photo in February 2018 and the timing of the post leads many to believe it is a response to Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham , who, one day earlier, had implored James to "shut up and dribble" after he was critical of then-President Donald Trump during a video posted to his UNINTERRUPTED YouTube channel.

If it was in response, it was the ultimate way of James displaying he remained unfazed by outside noise while displaying appreciation for the number of good things going on in his life.

MORE: LeBron or Jordan? Key Olympic stats to know in the NBA GOAT debate

The photo has now taken on a life of its own as it is used to express joy in many different areas of life, with users on social media reacting to positive news with the famed picture of James.

Six years after it was first posted, James' son Bryce, who has a history of doing good impressions of his father, recreated the famous Instagram story.

With James and Team USA in pursuit of gold at the 2024 Olympics, more positive emotion could be on the way if the ultimate goal is achieved. In that case, there's a chance that James or some of his teammates could recreate the viral Instagram story that keeps on giving.