SLAM Hardwood Classics Cover Hoodie - Larry Johnson (Knicks Icons)

The SLAM ICONS project began in 2026 as a new series of digital covers celebrating storied players, teams and moments across basketball history. 

Knicks fans know this celly. It was a celly before cellies ran rampant. A true pre-celly celly. Knicks fans might not know its origin, though. 

Larry Johnson didn’t come up with this now-iconic arm gesture. The creator of it was Lamont Coleman, also known as Big L, Harlem’s Finest. Though Big L passed in February of ‘99, the lyricist's on-stage performances left a lasting impact on the city. Rick Brunson, the father of the franchise’s best active player and a former Knick himself, saw Big L perform and noticed him making the “L” sign. Whether or not the elder Brunson planned it or it just happened at some point is up for interpretation. Like most great stories, there’s room for some mystery. 

June 5, 1999. The Knicks are trailing the mighty Indiana Pacers by three with 11.9 seconds left in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers spent springtime at the Garden often in the ‘90s. The rivalry was real. 

Inbound, left sideline, right next to halfcourt. Indiana denies Allan Houston the ball. There goes option one. Latrell Sprewell can’t get open. There goes option two. Charlie Ward’s last-second pass to Johnson gets tipped. The ball comes to LJ, above the three-point stripe, with the play having been broken by Indiana’s defense. Time to make something happen, Big L. 

Triple-threat, right-footed jab step. Repeat. Triple-threat, right-footed jab step. The clock is slipping rapidly. Only 7.9 seconds left now. Pump fake. It works. One left-handed dribble to the sideline. LJ rises from distance. The whistle blows. The ball drops. Four-point play. Ball game. An iconic moment.

Though he didn’t actually hit the “L” celly in that play, the move has been burned into the memories of Knicks fans everywhere. The best part is that Big L famously once said “I’m from New York and never was a fan of the Knicks.” Funny how history plays out, isn’t it?

Product details

• Ships in 7-10 business days
• Unisex hoodie
• Relaxed fit
• French terry fleece
• Discreet side pockets
• Imported
• Shop the New York Knicks collection