Pascal Siakam’s eyes are not actually yellow, despite frequent online searches suggesting a medical condition.
The rumor gained massive traction following a viral pre-game huddle during the 2025 NBA Finals where Siakam’s eyes appeared to roll back, exposing only the whites (sclera).
Under intense stadium lighting, these exposed areas took on a discolored, yellowish tint in low-quality digital recordings.
This visual phenomenon is primarily a combination of a physical habit known as lagophthalmos—where the eyes remain partially open during rest—and deep spiritual focus during prayer. There is no medical evidence of jaundice.
The Viral Moment: Pascal Siakam’s “Demon Eyes” Incident
During the high-stakes environment of the 2025 NBA Finals, specifically Game 6 between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the television broadcast captured a moment that immediately set social media ablaze.
As the Pacers gathered for their final pre-game huddle, the camera zoomed in on Pascal Siakam, who appeared to be in a trance-like state with his head bowed and his pupils completely rolled into the back of his skull.
Social Media Reactions and “Possession” Rumors
The eerie imagery of Siakam with only the whites of his eyes visible led to a flood of memes and speculative theories.
Fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit joked that the forward was “possessed” or had struck a supernatural bargain to secure a championship victory.
Some users compared his look to wrestling icon The Undertaker, suggesting that this “locked-in” state was the secret behind the Pacers’ dominant performance that evening.
The Context of the 2025 NBA Finals
The intensity of the series added weight to the viral clip. The Pacers were fighting to force a Game 7, and Siakam’s performance—a double-double in a 108-91 victory—only fueled the narrative that something extraordinary was happening.
Siakam himself later acknowledged that while the world saw a “demon,” he was simply in a moment of deep personal preparation.
Why Do People Mistake Siakam’s Eyes for Being Yellow?
The specific search for “yellow eyes” is a byproduct of how digital media and human psychology interact during viral events.
While the 2025 video clearly showed the sclera, several external factors contributed to the perception of a yellowish hue, leading many to worry about the athlete’s health.
Lighting and Digital Distortion
Stadiums are equipped with incredibly bright, high-intensity discharge or LED lighting systems designed for high-definition broadcasting. When these lights hit the white part of the eye at certain angles, they can create a yellow reflection.
Furthermore, many viewers watched the clip via screen recordings or low-resolution social media uploads, which often distort color balance and make white objects appear off-white or yellow.
Confusion with Michael Jordan’s Health Records
A significant reason for the “yellow eye” search trend is the historical context of other NBA legends. Michael Jordan has been the subject of health discussions for years due to his distinctly yellow sclera, a condition often linked to scleral icterus or jaundice.
Because fans are conditioned to discuss eye discoloration in basketball stars, they mistakenly applied the same medical concerns to Siakam when his eye-rolling anomaly went viral.
The Science of Lagophthalmos and Upward Rolling
To understand why Siakam’s eyes behave this way, one must look at the physical explanation he provided in post-game interviews.
He clarified that this is not a new development but a lifelong physical quirk that even his inner circle has noticed during national anthems.
Understanding the Lagophthalmos Tendency
Siakam revealed that he suffers from a mild form of lagophthalmos, a condition where the eyelids do not close completely. He explained that while his brain registers that his eyes are shut, they actually remain partially open.
This creates a gap where the eye is exposed to the environment even when the individual believes they are resting or blinking.
The Natural Resting State of the Eyeball
When the human eye “closes” or the mind enters a state of deep relaxation, the eyeballs naturally roll upward into a resting position.
Because Siakam’s lids remain slightly ajar, the camera captures this upward movement, revealing the lower portion of the sclera while the iris and pupil remain hidden.
This transition from a normal gaze to an upward-rolled position is what gave the appearance of “possessed” eyes.
The Spiritual Pillar: Prayer as a Pre-Game Ritual
Beyond the physical mechanics, the “Siakam Stare” is deeply rooted in his personal history and faith. Siakam often uses the quiet moments before tip-off to center himself and connect with his heritage.
A Devout Catholic Upbringing
Born and raised in Cameroon, Siakam comes from a very religious family. His father had a significant influence on his life, and Siakam has often stated that his journey to the NBA was guided by faith.
The moment captured in the huddle was actually a private prayer, a routine he performs to ensure he remains “even-keeled” regardless of the pressure of the game.
Managing the “Biggest Stage”
Siakam explained that his maturity and growth in the league have taught him not to take these opportunities for granted. By bowing his head and praying, he finds the mental clarity needed to perform on the “biggest stage” of the NBA Finals.
He noted that while the cameras are everywhere, these rituals are his way of maintaining his personal identity amidst the noise of professional sports.
Historical Eye Concerns: The 2020 Red Eye Incident
Part of the reason fans are so attentive to Siakam’s eyes is a previous health scare that occurred years earlier. This older incident created a baseline of concern among the fanbase, particularly within the Toronto Raptors community.
The Collision with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
In early 2020, Siakam suffered an eye injury during a game when his then-teammate, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ), accidentally poked him in the eye. This resulted in a severely bloodshot or “red eye” that persisted for several days.
Fans at the time were concerned about potential permanent damage, though the team eventually clarified it was merely a temporary irritation.
Lingering Search Trends and Fan Memory
Sports fans often have long memories for injuries. When the 2025 “yellow eye” rumor began, many users likely recalled the 2020 “red eye” incident, leading to a general search trend regarding “Siakam’s eye health”.
This illustrates how separate, unrelated events can merge in the public consciousness to create a larger narrative about an athlete’s physical condition.
Comparing Siakam’s Eye Incidents
| Feature | 2020 Incident | 2025 Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Color | Red / Bloodshot | White (Perceived Yellow) |
| Cause | Physical Trauma (Eye Poke) | Lagophthalmos & Prayer |
| Medical Status | Irritated / Popped Vessels | Completely Healthy |
| Viral Trigger | Post-game Interview | Pre-game Huddle |
| Resolution | Natural Healing | Clarification by Athlete |
Siakam’s Personal Reaction to the Huddle Hype
One of the most endearing aspects of this viral story is how Pascal Siakam handled the sudden attention. Rather than becoming defensive about his physical quirks or his faith, he embraced the humor of the situation.
Embracing the “Demon” Persona
When shown the footage in the locker room, Siakam laughed alongside his teammates, including Myles Turner. He joked that if he was going to be called a “demon,” he wished he had put up a 30-point performance to justify the “spirit taking over”.
His ability to take the memes in stride significantly boosted his rapport with fans during the Pacers’ championship run.
Perspective on Virality
Siakam’s philosophy on the moment was simple: “At least they’re talking about me. We’ll take it”. He recognized that in the modern NBA, being part of a viral moment—even a strange one—is part of the journey.
His focus remained on his job and his family, particularly his desire to make his late father proud through his accomplishments on and off the court.
The Impact of High-Definition Cameras on Player Privacy
The “Siakam Stare” highlights a growing trend in professional sports where every second of an athlete’s life is documented by high-powered lenses. Siakam himself joked about the intrusiveness of modern broadcasting.
The Pressure of Constant Surveillance
With cameras positioned in tunnels, huddles, and on the sidelines, players rarely have a moment of true privacy. Siakam noted that he might have to start covering his face with his hands to ensure his private prayers remain private.
This level of scrutiny can turn a benign physical habit into a global health mystery in a matter of minutes.
The Role of Narrative in Sports Media
The transition from a “prayer” to a “demon gaze” shows how media can shape player perception. While the reality was a quiet moment of faith, the narrative became about “possession” and “yellow eyes”.
This serves as a reminder for fans and analysts alike to seek out athlete explanations before jumping to medical or supernatural conclusions.
Summary of Key Facts Regarding Pascal Siakam’s Eyes
- No Medical Condition: Siakam does not have jaundice or yellow eyes; his sclera is healthy.
- Physical Habit: He has a natural tendency (lagophthalmos) where his eyes don’t close all the way.
- Upward Rotation: His eyes naturally roll up when he relaxes, showing only the white parts.
- Prayer Routine: The viral moment occurred while he was praying before a Game 6 victory.
- Lighting Factors: Bright stadium lights and low-quality video caused the perceived yellow tint.
If you are interested in following more of Pascal Siakam’s journey with the Indiana Pacers or want to stay updated on NBA health news, ensure you are following verified reports to avoid the spread of misinformation.
Siakam’s “demon eyes” might have been a fluke of physics and faith, but his impact on the court is undeniably real.
