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Written By D.L. Chandler , Senior Editor Posted 1 hour ago @dlchandler123 D.L. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor […]
Written By D.L. Chandler , Senior Editor Posted 23 mins ago @dlchandler123 D.L. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor […]
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Source: Justin Ford / Getty / Ja Morant / Shannon Sharpe
Shannon Sharpe has some advice for Memphis Grizzlies’ superstar Ja Morant after his entourage got into a bit of alleged trouble.
Allegedly, some of Ja Morant’s boys “aggressively confronted” some Indiana Pacers staff following a Grizzlies win on January 29.
Sharpe spoke on the alleged altercation on a Monday episode of Undisputed with his co-host Skip Bayless. “Ja is an outstanding basketball player,” Sharpe begins. “Ja did everything he could to lift himself and his family out of this type of environment and to get away from this, and for some reason, he wants to surround himself with these type of people. Why? Bruh, you not hard. That’s not your life. People in that life would give anything to be in your life.”
Before the altercation, tempers flared on the court, with Morant and Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard getting into a heated exchange during the third quarter. Morant reportedly said he “checked [Nembard’s] temperature” and that “he didn’t have a fever.”
Per The Athletic’s reporting, someone in Morant’s entourage inside an SUV pointed a red laser at the Indiana travel crew. They also claimed Morant was allegedly in the vehicle and that someone pointed a firearm at them from the SUV.
The Pacers’ staffers declined to file a report about the incident out of fear of retaliation, so the organization did it for them.
Following its own investigation, the NBA said it “could not corroborate that any individual threatened others with a weapon.” But, a member of Morant’s crew was banned from FedEx Arena for a year.
Morant spoke about the situation in a tweet calling cap on the situation.
Shannon Sharpe Wants Ja Morant To Stop Pretending To Be Tough
Sharpe also touched on the tweet, adding, “Stop pretending… You’re not gonna do nothing,” he continued. “What you’re gonna do is get yourself in trouble — [and] put yourself and your family in harm’s way — when you don’t have to. Just play basketball.”
“You pretend like you’re hard, but you’re not, Ja,” he added. “You’re opening yourself up. You’re putting yourself in a position you don’t even need to be in. And for what? Street cred? Come on, bruh.”
Twitter chimed in on the situation, agreeing with Uncle Shannon, pointing out that Morant needs to focus on his play and stop trying to be Larry Hoover.
You can see the reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Justin Ford / Getty
Written By D.L. Chandler , Senior Editor Posted 47 mins ago @dlchandler123 D.L. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor […]
A king deserves a royal court. Which is why on Tuesday night (Feb. 7), a galaxy of stars congratulated basketball legend LeBron James for becoming NBA’s all-time scoring leader when he broke Kareem-Abdul Jabbar’s three decade-long record. During a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Los Angeles Lakers’ home Crypto.com Arena, James passed Jabbar’s career total of 38,387 points after weeks of breathless anticipation of his crowning achievement and everyone from Rihanna to Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars gave him his props.
As soon as the dust settled — and Jabbar ceremonially handed over a basketball to the new scoring champ in a touching mid-court ceremony after LeBron scored his 36th point of the night on a step-back jumper — some of James’ biggest admirers took to social media to congratulate him on his epic feat.
In a compilation video from the NBA, Kendrick gave the new scoring sire high praise, saying, “From the time you went to the league when you had the doubters and the naysayers and people that think you wouldn’t take it this far you proved ’em wrong, dawg.” Upcoming Super Bowl LVII halftime performer Rihanna added, “I am so grateful to witness this moment in history… my favorite thing about being a LeBron James fan is just watching you prove yourself over and over again against all odds and all doubt. Thank you for repping for all of us. Keep striving for greatness always, and congratulations King James.”
Snoop Dogg modeled his Lakers jersey and said, “it’s always fun watching a Laker get it done.”
Drake called it a “legendary night in NBA history” in a video in which he appeared to be standing on a ball court in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio. “To honor that I had to come back to the place that it all started… Every journey has its beginning,” Drizzy said as a green screen collapsed behind him, revealing that he was actually in a nightclub in Miami.
John Legend tweeted, “Congratulations @KingJames!!!! This man has been in the spotlight and burdened with the highest expectations since he was a teenager. And he’s done nothing but exceed those expectations and build a historic legacy. What an incredible accomplishment!,” while Bruno Mars offered up a champagne bottle emoji.
Timberlake tossed a GOAT emoji into a tweet in which he marveled, “on a step back too!,” while Wayne wrote, “Kongrats King!! Glad to say I’ve shaken your hand brudda. God bless you and the fam and the homies.”
Watch the video and check out some of the other congratulatory tweets below.
Congratulations @KingJames!!!! This man has been in the spotlight and burdened with the highest expectations since he was a teenager. And he’s done nothing but exceed those expectations and build a historic legacy. What an incredible accomplishment! https://t.co/ozsDBmQAPw— John Legend (@johnlegend) February 8, 2023
Kongrats King!! Glad to say I’ve shaken your hand brudda. God bless you and the fam and the homies.— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 8, 2023
Wow, never in my lifetime did I think I would see two NBA athletes score over 38,000 points! I still remember when my Showtime teammate, the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, broke the record. It was an honor to be the guy to pass it to him and cement his legacy!— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 8, 2023
Written By D.L. Chandler , Senior Editor Posted 45 mins ago @dlchandler123 D.L. Chandler is a veteran of the Washington D.C. metro writing scene, working as a journalist, reporter, and culture critic. Initially freelancing at iOne Digital in 2010, he officially joined the iOne team in 2017 where he currently works as a Senior Editor […]
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Source: Greg Nelson / Getty
Kyrie Irving got his wish. On Sunday (February 5), multiple sources reported that the Brooklyn Nets agreed to trade the problematic (at least when off the court) point guard to the Dallas Mavericks.
According to ESPN,
The Mavericks are sending Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and second-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Nets in exchange for Irving and Markieff Morris, sources said.
The Nets plan to offer the picks acquired in the trade — as well as their 2023 first-round pick via the Philadelphia 76ers — in trade talks to try to improve the roster ahead of the Thursday trade deadline, sources said.
The Lakers and Nets discussed possible Irving deals on Friday and Saturday, but ultimately the Mavericks’ package gave the Nets a better chance to surround Kevin Durant with players now — as well as the opportunity to acquire three draft picks, sources said. The Nets had been looking at three-way deals involving the Lakers before discussions with the Mavericks came together fairly quickly Sunday afternoon, sources said.
It was only. a couple of days ago that Irving reportedly told the Nets that he wanted out after negotiations for an extension of his current contract stalled out.
When news broke of the trade NBA Twitter almost immediately start slandering all parties involved. The Lakers particularly felt there wrath after failing to acquire Irving and reuinte with his old running mate. LeBron James. How Kyrie will adjust to hooping with Luka, officially a superstar, is also being debated.
Peep some of the more volatile reactions in the gallery.
3. Let’s not jump out the window…
6. Grand opening, grand closing.
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Source: Sotheby’s / Courtesy of Southeby’s
A game-worn jersey from NBA superstar LeBron James has set a record for being the priciest of its kind ever sold on the open market.
According to reports, the vaunted Sotheby’s firm auctioned off the current Los Angeles Lakers forward’s game jersey which was worn during Game 7 of the 2013 NBA Finals, which was won by the Miami Heat team that he was a member of. It was worn as James led his Heat team with 37 points and 12 rebounds in a clutch performance to win the second of back-to-back titles against the San Antonio Spurs. James would also go on to be named Finals MVP after the game, which earned him his second such honor in a row. The jersey was purchased for $3.7 million, which broke the record for a game-worn James top. That was previously set at $630,000, which was the price paid for his 2020 All-Star Game jersey.
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“Today’s tremendous result comes at a pivotal time in LeBron James’ career, where he is in arm’s reach of clenching the all-time points record—one of the NBA’s most revered accolades,” said Sotheby’s head of streetwear and collectibles Brahm Wachter in a statement. “Just months after the record-breaking sale of Michael Jordan ‘Last Dance’ 1998 NBA finals jersey, this successful sale of another incomparable legend’s jersey—one of the most significant jerseys to ever hit the auction block—further proves that the demand for sports memorabilia is at an all-time high, and that the magic of sports continues to transcend and ignite fans and collectors alike.”
The aforementioned “Last Dance” jersey worn by Jordan stands atop the mountain of the most expensive jerseys auctioned off, going for a staggering $10.1 million dollars. The closest jersey to that mark was the “Hand of God” jersey worn by the late Diego Maradona during that pivotal 1986 World Cup match against England – that was sold for $9.3 million at an auction in May.
News of the sale comes as James is currently on another history-making tear, being 117 points shy of breaking the NBA’s all-time scoring record held by the legendary Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It is believed that the 20-year forward may obtain that record within the next week.
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Los Angeles Lakers fans saw their team scrap their way back in a Thursday night game (Jan. 12) against the Dallas Mavericks and force the contest to go into overtime. The Lakers, most especially team captain LeBron James, believe that the referees missed a foul call against one of its team members that could’ve won the game.
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to 19-23 in the contest against the 24-19 Dallas Mavericks but showed exceptional grit despite a poor shooting night for James. The squad was without talented big man Anthony Davis but backup center Thomas Bryant, a former Washington Wizards player, has proven to be a useful asset. Russell Westbrook has also found a bit of a rhythm and before Davis went down with an injury, the Lakers looked to be surging.
Of concern was a three-point shot taken by former Wizards player Troy Brown Jr. at the end of regulation that would’ve won the game. On the closeout, Tim Hardaway Jr. seemingly bothered the shot but Brown didn’t openly criticize the referees and opted instead to state that the call was not in his hands. However, James offered a counter blanketed with plenty of profanity.
“No, it’s a f*cking foul,” James said, as reported by ESPN. “It’s a foul. No matter what he [Brown] says, it’s a f*cking foul. That sh*t is blatant, and they should have called it.”
Laker coach Darvin Ham also took the high road during his time at the podium, falling short of critiquing the referees and their call.
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Photo: Kevork Djansezian / Getty
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Source: Streeter Lecka / Getty
Some of our generation’s greatest ballers will get a chance to breathe rare air with Icons. The NBA has announced the nominees for the 2023 Hall Of Fame.
As reported on Hype Beast The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2023, including several high-profile, first-time nominees including Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich and Dwyane Wade. A first look at the list of eligible nominees was provided by NBA Today on ESPN, hosted by Malika Andrews, Richard Jefferson, Chiney Ogwumike, Kendrick Perkins and Zach Lowe.
The entire Class of 2023, including those selected by the direct-elect committees, will be unveiled during the NCAA Final Four in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, April 1, in a nationally televised broadcast at 11:00 a.m. EST. Finalists from the North American and Women’s committee for the Class of 2023 will be announced on Friday, February 17, at 5:30 p.m. ET in Salt Lake City, Utah, during NBA All-Star Weekend.
Enshrinement weekend will begin at the Mohegan Sun on Friday, August 11, with the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala, followed by the Enshrinement ceremony on Saturday, August 12, at Springfield’s historic Symphony Hall.
A complete list of eligible candidates can be found below (* Indicates First-Time Nominee).
NORTH AMERICAN NOMINATIONS
Ken Anderson (COA)
John Beilein (COA)*
Gene Bess (COA)
Chauncey Billups (PLA)
Tom Chambers (PLA)
John Clougherty (REF)
Michael Cooper (PLA)
Joey Crawford (REF)
Jack Curran (COA)
Mark Eaton (PLA)
Cliff Ellis (COA)
Michael Finley (PLA)
Pau Gasol (PLA)*
Leonard Hamilton (COA)
Lou Henson (COA)
Ed Hightower (REF)
David Hixon (COA)
Mark Jackson (PLA)
Marques Johnson (PLA)
Gene Keady (COA)
Jim Larranaga (COA)*
Maurice Lucas (PLA)
Shawn Marion (PLA)
Rollie Massimino (COA)
Dick Motta (COA)
Dirk Nowitzki (PLA)*
Jake O’Donnell (REF)
Tony Parker (PLA)*
Jim Phelan (COA)
Gregg Popovich (COA)*
Bo Ryan (COA)
Stan Spirou (COA)*
Reggie Theus (PLA)
Dwyane Wade (PLA)*
Buck Williams (PLA)
John Williamson (PLA)*
Paul Westhead (COA)
WOMEN’S NOMINATIONS
Leta Andrews (COA)
Jennifer Azzi (PLA)
Gary Blair (COA)
Doug Bruno (COA)*
Becky Hammon (PLA)
Becky Martin (COA)
Debbie Miller-Palmore (PLA)
Kim Mulkey (PLA)
Valerie Still (PLA)
Marian Washington (COA)
INTERNATIONAL DIRECT-ELECT
Jackie Chazalon
Mirza Delibasic
Dusan Ivkovic
Semen Khalipski
Vladimir Kondrashin
Eduardo Lamas
Marcos Leite
Shimon Mirrahi
Amaury Pasos
Manuel Sainz
Togo Soares
Ranko Zeravica
WOMEN’S VETERANS DIRECT-ELECT
1976 US Olympic Team (TEA)*
1982 Cheyney University NCAA Final Four Team (TEA)*
Alline Banks Sprouse (PLA)
Edmonton Commercial Grads (TEA)
John Head (COA)
Yolanda Laney (PLA)*
Nashville Business College (TEA)
Lometa Odom (PLA)
Harley Redin (COA)
Hazel Walker (PLA)
Valerie Walker (PLA)*
Dean Weese (COA)*
CONTRIBUTOR DIRECT-ELECT
Pete Babcock
Dick Baumgartner
Henry Bibby
Marty Blake
Vic Bubas
Doug Collins
Wayne Duke
Bill Foster
Bob Gibbons
Simon Gourdine
Tim Grgurich
Junius Kellogg
Johnny “Red” Kerr
Tom Konchalski
Bobby Lewis
Fred McCall
Jack McCloskey
Jon McGlocklin
Speedy Morris
Dennis Murphy
Curly Neal
Jack Powers
Will Robinson
Gene Shue
Jim Valvano
Donnie Walsh
VETERANS DIRECT-ELECT
1936 US Olympic Team (TEA)
1972 US Olympic Team (TEA)
Dick Barnett (PLA)
Tom Blackburn (COA)
Sid Borgia (REF)
Charles Brown (PLA)*
Freddie Brown (PLA)*
Jack Coleman (PLA)
Charles Eckman (REF)
Leroy Edwards (PLA)
Leo Ferris (CONT)
Hy Gotkin (PLA)
Travis Grant (PLA)
Jack Hartman (COA)*
Cam Henderson (COA)
Robert Hopkins (PLA)
Charles Keinath (PLA)
Greg Kelser (PLA)*
Kentucky Wesleyan 1966, 1968, 1969 (TEA)
Bob Love (PLA)
Loyola of Chicago (TEA)
Billy Markward (CONT)
Ed McCluskey (COA)
Jack McKinney (CONT)
Bill Melchionni (PLA)*
Francis Meehan (PLA)
Lucias Mitchell (COA)
Donald “Dudey” Moore (COA)
Joe Mullaney (COA)
Willie Naulls (PLA)
North Catholic High School Junior Varsity (Philadelphia, PA) (TEA)
Don Otten (PLA)*
Philadelphia SPHAS (TEA)
Kevin Porter (PLA)*
Glenn Roberts (PLA)
Lennie Rosenbluth (PLA)
Kenny Sailors (PLA)
Fred Schaus (CONT)
Sam Schulman (CONT)
Paul Silas (PLA)
Dick Van Arsdale (PLA)
Tom Van Arsdale (PLA)
Lambert Will (CONT)*
Max Zaslofsky (PLA)
Photo: Away