The new NBA season is here with basketball’s biggest superstar LeBron James entering his 22nd year.

James is entering a brand new era with the Los Angeles Lakers as he makes history by playing alongside his son Bronny.

James’ ritual is iconicGetty

There won’t be anything new about the 39-year-old’s pre-game ritual though, as it has become an iconic part of his decorated career. 

He usually walks over to the side of the court, covers his hands in chalk and then throws some of it up into the air before clapping. 

The ritual has become famous in the NBA but why does he do it? talkSPORT.com has taken a look…

Why does James throw chalk in the air?

James’ ‘Chalk Toss’ is an iconic moment before every game.

It is common practice for NBA players to rub chalk on their hands before a game to improve their grip.

James began his own ritual around it during his rookie season with Cleveland in 2003 and as his status in the game grew, the chalk throwing followed suit with fans loving it.

His pre-game routine is caught on camera by thousands of supporters in each arena.

And some even join in pre-game by throwing their hands into the air at the same time.

Fans speculated that James’ chalk toss is a tribute to his idol Michael Jordan, whose pre-game ritual at the Chicago Bulls saw him clap powder into the face of Johnny Kerr.

However, James has claimed he does not have a specific reason for starting his own version of the chalk throwing. 

James’ ‘Chalk Toss’ is adored by fansGetty

Speaking on the NBA’s official YouTube channel, he said: “I don’t remember the first time I started it but I felt the fans started to embrace it. 

“I started to really set my mind and get focused on what was at task when I started to do it. 

“On the road sometimes I get booed, so I love it. At home, they go crazy. 

“I don’t know what made me start doing it but it just happens sometimes. 

“Great things just happen sometimes.”