NBA star James Harden and his partner Paije Speights recently attended the wedding of retired basketball player Rajon Rondo and his now-wife, Latoia Fitzgerald, in the picturesque setting of Lake Como, Italy. The event marked a notable moment for the couple as it was their public debut, and an unexpected reaction from Harden caught everyone’s attention.

During the traditional bouquet toss, Speights, who was standing at the back of the crowd, ended up with the bouquet when it fell near her. Her excited reaction, coupled with Harden’s priceless expression, quickly went viral. In the video, shared by X on Twitter, Speights turns to Harden with a joyful smile, while he stands frozen, eyes wide and jaw dropped, seemingly caught off guard by the moment.

The bouquet toss is a well-known wedding tradition, symbolizing the next person likely to get married. Speights’ playful embrace of Harden as she holds the bouquet adds a layer of humor to the situation, with fans dubbing his expression an “instant meme.”

Social media users couldn’t help but react to Harden’s surprised expression, with one commenting, “That was the moment for him to step up his defense game,” and another jokingly adding, “You can bet he’s thinking about prenuptial agreements right about now.”

An instant new meme is born as #JamesHarden reacts to his partner catching the bouquet at a wedding.

pic.twitter.com/LEUeZUeC2i

— SOUND (@itsavibe) June 9, 2024

Speights herself reacted to the viral moment on her Instagram Story, writing, “I wasn’t even trying to catch it! I was standing outside the circle at the back, and the bouquet just landed at my feet. But hey, a win is a win!” She later shared a video of herself smiling and dancing with the bouquet.

The couple has largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, with Speights and Harden first being linked in 2017. Prior to this relationship, Harden dated notable figures such as Khloé Kardashian and Jessyka Janshel.

The wedding also marked Harden’s first public appearance since his team, the Los Angeles Clippers, were eliminated from the NBA postseason. This season was Harden’s first with the Clippers, following his request to trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.

In a recent interview, Harden expressed his desire to be remembered as a “winner” and a “teacher” of the game, showcasing his passion for basketball that extends beyond the court and into his interactions with fans and younger players.

Whether it’s through his on-court performances or unexpected viral moments, Harden continues to leave a lasting impression on and off the court.