Month: July 2024

Bronny James has revealed his reason for choosing to wear No. 9 on the Los Angeles Lakers, as he is still overwhelmed by his second-round selection in the NBA Draft.

The 19-year-old eldest son of now new teammate LeBron, 39, explained the way in which the last single digit serves as a tribute to close friend and former rapper, Juice WRLD, who died of an accidental overdose at just age 21 in December 2019.

He said: ‘Juice has been a big part of me, keeping calm in some situations that I’ve been through. So yeah, just paying homage to him especially because he passed. It’s a really important thing for me.’

Bronny shares a common ‘999’ tattoo with Juice, although the guard has it behind his ear while the ‘Lucid Dreams’ hitmaker had it on his body. The angel number 999 signifies the completion of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.

When someone sees this number, it’s usually a sign that a chapter in their life is soon to come to a close, and that new opportunities and possibilities are on the horizon.

Bronny James chose to wear the No. 9 jersey for the Purple & Gold, as announced on Tuesday

The guard, 19, chose the single digit to ‘pay homage’ to his close pal and rapper Juice WRLD

"Juice has been a big part of me keeping calm in some situations I've been through."

Bronny James pays homage to the late Juice WRLD by wearing the #9 for LAL 🪽 pic.twitter.com/DxMzMThEPi

— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024

Bronny joins the NBA only 11 months after suffering cardiac arrest and 25 games for USC. He addressed his six-month rise from competitively playing again on a college basketball to being projected to not making the cut at the NBA Draft Combine.

‘Everything’s just been surreal,’ the 6-ft-2 guard told reporters while sitting alongside another new guard on the team, Dalton Knecht – the Lakers’ 17th overall pick of this year’s draft.

‘Just trying to take it all in by the days. I’m extremely grateful for everything that [Lakers head coach] JJ [Redick] and [general manager] Rob [Pelinka] have given to me. I’ve been extremely excited to get work.’

When asked about the criticism and hype that comes with playing with his four-time NBA champion father, Bronny said: ‘For sure [playing with him] amplifies the amount of pressure.

‘I’ve already seen it on social media and on the internet and stuff, talking about how I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with this stuff for my whole life. It’s nothing different. [The pressure] is more amplified for sure, but I can get through it.’

James also revealed that he’s eager to write his own story while playing with his father, LeBron

"Everything's just been surreal… I've just been extremely excited to get to work."

Bronny James expresses his excitement to start his NBA career 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GpZw0dalWj

— NBA (@NBA) July 2, 2024

Bronny went on to describe himself as eager to write his own story as he wants to prove that he is more than just the eldest son of one of the greatest players ever.

‘I’m just living by the days and trying not to care about what other people think about me because there are a lot of people who have something to say,’ he said.

‘I’m just taking it by the day and staying sane while doing it.’

Bronny thanked the Lakers’ front office for ‘everything they have given to me,’ but his new head coach pushed back on that remark.

‘Rob and I did not give Bronny anything. Bronny has earned this through hard work,’ Redick said as LeBron looked on attentively.

Bronn’s dad and four-time NBA champion LeBron James was at his son’s first Lakers presser

Lakers coach JJ Redick described Bronny as deserving of the opportunity to play in the NBA

He also described Bronny as a player with huge potential for growth.

‘His base level of feel, athleticism, point of attack, defending, shooting, passing – there’s a lot to like about his game,’ Redick said.

‘As we build out our player development program holistically, he’s going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.’

Fans could get their first look at Bronny in action for the Lakers when California Classic Summer League action kicks off on Saturday with a game against the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco.

Actress Alice Evans‘ messy split from her actor ex Ioan Gruffudd has taken another shock twist today as she accused her former spouse of not paying any child support since May – claiming that she has been left in such dire financial straits that she can’t afford to ‘put food on the table’ and will be forced to go on food stamps.

In legal documents filed by 55-year-old Evans’ lawyers on July 1 – which have been obtained by DailyMail.com – the mother-of-two states that she has ‘100 per cent’ custody of her and Gruffudd’s two daughters, Ella, 14, and Elsie, 10, but that she has received no financial support from him since their custody agreement was settled two months ago.

Just weeks after the couple finally reached an agreement in their divorce, Evans says she is ‘struggling to put food on the table’, while she insists her former husband, 50 – who is currently engaged to partner Bianca Wallace – is ‘jetting around the world’ and living a ‘lavish lifestyle’.

‘While I am struggling to put food on the table for the children, Ioan is jet setting around the world,’ she states in the documents.

She claims that he has bought new Rolex watches for himself and his fiancé Bianca and has been on a global press tour for the latest Bad Boys film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, while she is about to go on food stamps.

Actress Alice Evans ‘ messy split from her actor ex Ioan Gruffudd has taken another shock twist today as she accused her former spouse of not paying any child support since May

Evans, 55, claimed that she has been left unable to afford food for their children and says she is being force to ‘apply for public assistance because she cannot support herself of their kids’

Evans references ‘stories in the media’ that indicate her former spouse ‘purchased an expensive engagement ring for his fiancée’, alleging that he and Wallace also ‘recently purchased new Rolex watches’.

At the time of publication of this story, both Gruffudd and Wallace’s Instagram accounts had been removed from public view – however a May 2024 post shared by Wallace showed her sporting a green Rolex watch.

It is unclear if this is the watch Evans is referring to in court documents.

However, as a result of her ex’s so-called ‘lavish lifestyle’, she is asking the court to require Gruffudd to pay spousal and child support to her, until their financial trial.

Evans adds that the only payments agreed so far are $3,000 a month in interim child support. However she says that these were not paid in May or June.

Gruffudd also paid $7,000 a month as an advance of spousal support from December 2023 to April 2024. It was initially understood that the financial issues would go to trial by April 2024 but that has now been put off to August.

‘Alice is applying for public assistance because she is unable to support herself and the children,’ her lawyer states in the latest legal filing.

‘It appears that the financial trial will be several months away and Alice will not be able to survive without the receipt of guideline spousal support.

‘Ioan has the ability to pay spousal support based upon his greater ability to earn income and his ongoing lavish lifestyle. For these reasons, Alice requests guideline child and spousal support.’

Her lawyer Janina Verano also says that since May 2023 Ioan Gruffudd has not seen the children outside of reunification therapy nor has he ‘exercised his court ordered right’ to have a telephone call with them three times a week. Reunification therapy ended in February this year.

‘Ioan has not telephoned the children or returned their text messages since May of 2023,’ Evans says. She adds: ‘The children have been left in limbo and are completely confused about when or if they will see Ioan.’

Through an order filed by her lawyer, Evans says that she does not agree to the sealing or keeping private of their stipulation, or custody agreement in its entirety, which is what Gruffudd has requested – accusing him of being ‘disingenuous’ in his request to seal the legal proceedings in order to ‘protect the children’.

Evans’ attorney notes that Gruffudd ‘did not seek to seal any of DVRO [domestic violence] pleadings nor any of the custody pleadings wherein he falsely accuses Alice of abusing the children’ – calling out the fact that he only wishes to seal those proceedings in which the allegations were resolved.

The actress accuses Gruffudd, 50, of living a ‘lavish lifestyle’ while she suffers, calling attention to the ‘expensive engagement ring’ he purchased for fiancee Bianca Wallace

She also alleges that both Gruffudd and Wallace have both recently ‘purchased new Rolex watches’ (Wallace seen modeling a green Rolex in May of this year)

‘…It appears that Ioan’s “concern” is disingenuous,’ the lawyer writes. ‘In short, his position is that the public should have access to all of his accusations against Alice, but not the document that resolves said allegations.’

Evans adds that the only payments agreed so far are $3,000 a month in interim child support.

Gruffudd also paid $7,000 a month as an advance of spousal support from December 2023 to April 2024. It was initially understood that the financial issues would go to trial by April 2024 but that has now been put off to August.

In the meantime, Evans says that she has incurred legal fees of $112,000 and is in ‘dire’ financial straits.

‘I cannot wait months for a trial to receive child support and spousal support,’ she says, claiming that she currently makes around $300 a month in royalties and hopes to make further money by appearing at fan conventions.

‘I have drained all of my personal savings paying my prior attorneys in this case,’ she writes, explaining that, while she has some designer items held in storage that could be sold, she cannot pay the monthly storage fee.

‘As it stands I am behind on rent and utility payments and friends have started dropping off groceries and food so the children can eat. I will be applying for food stamps and welfare.’

She claims that Gruffudd earns tens of thousands of dollars a month, per his tax filings, and that he also received ‘approximately $390,000 from the sales proceeds of the home just in December 2023’.

‘In this case, a disparity in access to funds to pay fees exists because Alice earns only a few hundred dollars per month, while Ioan’s self-reported average monthly income on his Income and Expense Declaration filed January 24, 2024, is $21,023 for the 36 months ending December 31, 2023 and $18,264 for the 12 months ending December 31, 2023,’ the legal filing states.

Ioan Gruffudd’s girlfriend Bianca Wallace paddleboards on holiday

Evans claims that her former husband (seen with Wallace in Italy last month) has been ‘jet setting around the world’ while she is ‘struggling’ to afford food

Gruffudd and Wallace met on the set of the TV show Harrow, in which she featured as an extra (seen together on set)

Alice Evans shares clip from 2019 of ex husband Ioan Gruffudd

‘Moreover, Ioan continues to get roles in movies, such as Bad Boys 4, which was just released this year. Ioan also received approximately $390,000 from the sales proceeds of the home just in December 2023.’

As per her pre nup Evans says she is entitled to 20 per cent of his earnings, but she calls the premarital agreement ‘vague and ambiguous.’

She is asking the court to pay her attorneys and alleges that he has been paying two different law firms and a forensic accountant.

Evans was made subject to a restraining order by her estranged husband in February 2022 after she posted a number of messages about him and his new girlfriend on social media and allegedly sent him over 100 texts. One suggested: ‘You’ve got your nuts stuck in her veneers.’ She denied abusing or harassing him.

The order was extended for three years in August 2022, and Evans was forbidden from posting about either Gruffudd or Wallace.

In June last year, elder daughter Ella, then 13, applied for a restraining order against Gruffudd after a custody visit ended in chaos. She said: ‘I was so mad at my dad because this was an overnight visit, and I had told him in the past that I didn’t want to meet his girlfriend who was now his live-in girlfriend.’

She claimed that Wallace had slammed a door against her head as she was running from their apartment after pouring milk and mustard around in protest.

In publicly available documents she said that she was ‘afraid’ of her father and said that he had threatened to ‘call the police on her anytime she misbehaves’ during visits.

The request for a restraining order was dropped in court by Ella, who faced her father’s legal team.

In August last year a judge agreed to Gruffudd’s request for a child psychiatrist, and agreed that Evans should take the children to weekly ‘reunification therapy’ sessions.

Evans said it was not necessary as he had not seen or called his daughters in three months.

The couple married in Mexico in 2007 after meeting on the set of the Disney film 102 Dalmatians.

Tracy McGrady went off on fans who try to damage Michael Jordan’s legacy by disrespecting the level of competition he played against. McGrady believes these fans are mostly Gen Z fans who never watched Jordan play in their lifetime, and he set the record straight for them.

“Get the f— out of here. That’s gotta be like these Gen Z people saying that. There’s no way in hell you saw Michael Jordan play. Stop talking about who he played against, please, we gotta stop that. ‘Oh, he was out there playing with plumbers’. The guy is not built like LeBron playing against these guys, Michael Jordan is 6’6, 210, and dominating.”

McGrady continued by calling Jordan incredible and using his status as someone who played in the ’90s and through the 2000s to affirm that Jordan was on a different level from everyone else.

“He’s not a freak of nature, so why does it matter who he’s out there competing against? That shouldn’t matter. He’s just better than everybody else. You go watch and study his game, the guy was, come on man. He was incredible, it was nothing like I’ve ever seen someone on a basketball court… What people are saying, what I’m saying, is damn true. He was that great.”

Jordan would have been one of the greatest players to step onto a court regardless of the era he played. McGrady said Jordan wasn’t a freak of nature, but not all NBA players can be 6’6″ and have one of the highest recorded verticals in NBA history. Jordan was born with springs on his feet, which makes his ‘Jumpman’ moniker and brand perfect for his play style.

Competition usually improves linearly, especially when the financial stakes of the NBA are on offer. Future generations of players get to borrow from what Jordan’s generation did and learn to further improve how they play. The game is constantly evolving, so it is fair to say competition across the league is more challenging now.

What isn’t fair to say is dismissing the level of competition in the ’80s and ’90s. Jordan’s statistics were miles ahead of his competitors in that era, in a way we haven’t seen replicated. His 10-scoring titles, five MVPs, and six Finals MVPs with a 6-0 Finals record should be proof enough of how much better he was compared to the competition. That’s a testament to his greatness, not the weakness of his era.

Jeff Van Gundy Believes Michael Jordan Would Average 40 Points In The Modern Era

People have often tried placing Michael Jordan in the modern era to see what he could achieve. Former ESPN commentator and current Clippers assistant Jeff Van Gundy made it clear that he thinks Jordan would be averaging over 40 points in the modern era’s softer defense and lighter physicality.

“If you would give the ball to Jordan in his prime with these rules, with all the shooting, and think that he wasn’t going to shoot over 50%? Michael shot over 50% with limited 3-point shooting, and limited space in the triangle offense….at the highest form of physicality, the (Detroit) Pistons or the (New York) Knicks trying to take your head off. So there is (absolutely) no question Michael Jordan would have led the league in scoring (in today’s time)…..he would’ve averaged 40 (points).”

Jordan’s resume of six titles, six Finals MVPs, a 6-0 Finals record, 10 scoring titles, five regular-season MVPs, one Defensive Player of the Year, 14 All-Star teams, and 11 All-NBA teams is a true testament to his greatness. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.3 steals over his playing career, currently sitting at No. 5 in the all-time scoring charts.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes have been enjoying some wholesome family time in Marbella, Spain during the NFL offseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has headed to Europe with his wife and their two young children – Sterling Skye, 3 and Bronze, 19 months – while the buildup to the football season is on hold.

Brittany shared several pictures over the weekend of their trip away, where they were joined by her close family friend Miranda Hogue and her partner.

 

The latest update comes days after Brittany shared several beach snaps with her family, as well as pictures of her and Patrick out on a boat at sea.

For Patrick, it signals a more relaxed break than his Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce – who has been cramming in the adventures on his time off.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes have been enjoying some family time together in Spain

Brittany shared a loved-up picture with her Super Bowl-winning husband on Instagram

The Chiefs star has been enjoying some downtime with a new season on the horizon

After celebrating the wedding of his teammate Clyde Edwards-Helaire on Saturday night, Kelce raced over to Dublin to support girlfriend Taylor Swift at her Eras Tour dates in Dublin.

Last weekend, Kelce even joined her onstage at Wembley in London for her performance of ‘I Can Do It With a Broken Heart’.

Fans have long speculated if the Mahomes family will join Kelce at a Swift show in Europe this summer, especially given the friendship that Taylor and Brittany appeared to strike up during last season.

Sunday was Swift’s last date in Ireland and she plays next in Amsterdam, followed by Zurich and Milan.

For Kelce and Mahomes, meanwhile, focus on football will ramp up in August as the Chiefs line up their shot at an historic NFL three-peat.

Their season begins at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5 against Baltimore Ravens.

Any awesome piece of memorabilia related to Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan will most likely earn a good payday in the market. However, the six-time NBA champion‘s historic pair of Nike Air Jordans didn’t as it it sold for a loss during a recent auction.

The Air Jordan brand is a line of basketball shoes produced by Nike, Inc. that has become an iconic symbol in sports and popular culture. It was first introduced in 1984 for Jordan during his rookie season.

Back in 2022, Jordan’s game-worn Air Jordan 1s from the infamous “Broken Foot Game” in 1985 fetched $422,130 at auction. The sneakers, obtained by the auction house Lelands from a consignor whose father was personally gifted the shoes by Jordan, held significant historical value.

In 1985, Jordan and the Bulls went up against the Golden State Warriors. During this match, the Chicago legend suffered a fractured bone in his left foot, sidelining him for six months and derailing his sophomore season. The shoes, featuring Jordan’s mismatched size 13 (left) and 13 1/2 (right), are stamped with the production code “850102-TYPS,” sparking speculation that they may have been worn during his rookie campaign as well.

The sale of these iconic sneakers, which were later modified with a support strap to accommodate Jordan’s injury, underscores the enduring appeal and collectability of game-worn memorabilia from the legendary player. The Air Jordan brand’s defiance of NBA regulations and its cultural impact have contributed to the continued demand for these coveted pieces of sports history.

Michael Jordan’s Historic Pair of Nike Sneakers Sells for Over $160,000 at Auction at a Loss

As mentioned earlier, this particular pair of Jordans fetched more than $422,000 in auction over two years ago. Now, the same pair has been auctioned again, as detailed by Darren Rovell in a tweet on X.

““Broken Foot” Jordans sell for $168,850 at @Lelandsdotcom tonight, a 60% drop from their Jan 2022 sale ($422K),” Rovell tweeted.

As it stands, the price obtained from the pair represents a sharp drop since it was first sold in 2022. This just goes to show that price they sold for back then was already the ceiling when it comes to value.

It remains to be seen whether those sneakers can jump up in price again in the future. In any case, it won’t be soon before they’ll be sold again in the market.

Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Despite trade speculations surrounding Klay Thompson, an NBA insider revealed Thompson’s last request to Golden State Warriors star player Stephen Curry before joining the Dallas Mavericks. According to recent reports by NBA Insider Anthony Slater for The Athletic, Thompson told Curry not to demand that the front office pay him. He mentioned that the 34-year-old shooting guard requested Curry not to exert influence on the franchise.

Klay Thompson told Steph Curry not to demand that the front office pay him, per @anthonyVslater

"I was told that Klay requested of Steph, 'Don't exert your influence. Don't demand that they do right by me financially. I want them to, want to [do that on their own]'"

(Via… pic.twitter.com/LoTtnQb8ct

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 2, 2024

“I was told that Klay requested of Steph, ‘Don’t exert your influence. Don’t demand that they do right by me financially. I want them to, want to [do that on their own]’” Slater Wrote.

Thompson, along with Curry and Draymond Green, played crucial roles in the Warriors’ recent success. However, after winning the championship in the 2021-22 season, the team entered a declining phase and was eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2022-23 season. Additionally, the Warriors did not make the playoffs in the 2023-24 season and were eliminated during the Play-in tournament. Thompson’s performance declined during this time, leading to disagreements between him and the Warriors. According to StatMuse, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 77 games in the 2023-24 season.

Curry’s Calm Voice Can’t Mask Front Office’s Genuine Desire for Thompson Comeback

“It’s been a layered five-year path to this divorce, splintering last season, sprouting earlier, and finalizing in the last couple weeks, where —among the conversations Thompson had, league sources said — was a request of Stephen Curry not to exert his significant organizational influence and up the temperature with management to ensure Thompson’s return. Curry’s measured voice, even if it altered the outcome, wouldn’t change the genuineness of Joe Lacob and the front office’s true desire to have Thompson back.” Slater added.

During a recent episode of the show “First Take,” host Shannon Sharpe made bold statements about Thompson and praised the Warriors for their support during Thompson’s Achilles and ACL injuries.

Justin Bieber’s Fans Delve Into The Meaning Behind His Tender Gaze At Hailey Bieber In Newly Resurfaced 2009 Meeting Video

 

Justin Bieber fans recently unearthed a heartwarming video capturing the first encounter between Justin and Hailey Bieber in 2009. The rediscovery of this nostalgic moment has sparked renewed interest on social media, especially as the couple eagerly anticipates the birth of their first child.

Despite officially becoming a couple in 2018, Justin and Hailey’s relationship stretches back to their teenage years, as depicted in the footage from the lobby of Today Studios. In the video, a youthful Justin is introduced to Hailey’s father, Steven Baldwin, and politely greets both Hailey and her dad.

This encounter, which occurred during Justin’s early career peak following the release of his debut single ‘One Time’, has delighted fans who appreciate this glimpse into the couple’s history. Social media platforms have been abuzz with commentary and reactions, with many fans noting Justin’s initial impression of Hailey, described by some as a significant ‘look’.

The resurfacing of this video has added another layer to the Bieber love story, prompting fans to reflect on their journey from childhood acquaintances to a celebrated power couple. As they prepare to embrace parenthood, Justin and Hailey continue to captivate their audience with their enduring romance and shared milestones.

 

Justin and Hailey’s love story officially blossomed in 2018 when they exchanged vows in a low-key courthouse ceremony in Manhattan, marking a culmination of years of on-and-off dating, particularly after Justin’s highly publicized split from singer Selena Gomez. Hailey, previously known as Hailey Baldwin, officially adopted the Bieber surname on social media, where she frequently professes Justin as her ‘best friend’.

In May of recent years, the couple delighted their followers with the announcement of their impending parenthood, revealing that they are expecting their first child later in the year. Amid the excitement surrounding their future, many fans have been reminded that their relationship began long before they were first captured together in public.

Indeed, the video from 2009 serves as a testament to the enduring nature of Justin and Hailey’s bond, showcasing a moment of innocence and introduction that has now become a cherished memory for fans worldwide. As social media continues to amplify their love story, followers eagerly await further updates and insights into the next chapter of their journey into parenthood.

Ryan Garcia and Michael Jordan (Image Source: Getty Images)
If you have never watched a basketball game, you’d probably have heard of Michael Jordan. The bigger-than-basketball Bulls legend is arguably one of the most ethereal people on the planet. But for pro boxer Ryan Garcia, there’s a more prominent athlete out there.

During a recent episode of “Kick Game,” Garcia claimed that Muhammad Ali is the ‘Greatest athlete of all time.’ He not only snubbed Jordan but questioned his greatness. According to Garcia, Michael Jordan’s contribution to society was next to nothing other than making shoes. “Muhammad Ali. No, Jordan didn’t do s**t for the people. Jordan made some shoes. I don’t give a f**k about no six rings, I give a f**k about what you did outside the court,” said Garcia. “What did you do outside the court bro? I like Kobe better than him.”

The boxer’s comment stems from the belief that the NBA legend had a lesser effect on society through his actions off the court. While Muhammad Ali is known for his activist role, Garcia hinted that Jordan’s contribution to society left much to desire.

But is that the case? The man with $3.2 billion worth might not be the greatest in Garcia’s eyes, but discrediting Jordan’s contribution to society is somewhat over the top.

Michael Jordan’s Philanthropic Activities

Since signing the fated Nike deal in 1984, Michael Jordan has never looked back. His on-court charisma and dominance throughout the 90s made him the “Black Jesus,” and outside the hardboard, he was no less of a God to the common man.

Last month, MJ and his mother, Deloris, opened a medical clinic in Wilmington. This was the third-of-its-kind clinic in North Carolina, with the sole aim of aiding the area’s underprivileged and uninsured. Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medicine Clinics are part of Michael Jordan’s $10 million project to provide medical care to his old stomping ground.

Michael Jordan opened a third clinic in Wilmington, NC, to serve uninsured and underinsured residents

Funded by his $10 million donation, the Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic aims to provide quality care. ❤️

(Via @people )
pic.twitter.com/kjnoHjGvbq

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 10, 2024

This is only the tip of the iceberg, as Jordan’s care for the community dates way back. While with the Wizards, Jordan donated his entire season’s salary in 2002 to fund charities dealing with the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy. His Airness also joined the Make-a-Wish Foundation in 2008 and has donated more than $5 million to the organization.

Jordan donated $1 million each to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the International Association of Chiefs of Police to combat community policing and shootings. His donations to Chicago-based schools are in double digits, and he has given significant funding to the black community in the area. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, UNCF/College Fund, and the Special Olympics are some of the other organizations to be aided by Michael Jordan.

For many, including Garcia, Jordan may not be the GOAT, but his generosity certainly puts him among the best athletes of all time who gave nothing but their best to the community.

 

DeMar DeRozan (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
During Tuesday’s episode of SportsCenter, NBA Insider for ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski reported that teams like the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in signing DeMar DeRozan. However, due to limited available funds, DeRozan may be better off signing a one-year contract for the 2024-2025 season. By choosing a one-year contract at a lower amount, DeRozan may become a free agent again next season, when more teams are expected to have cap space.

DeMar DeRozan May Sign One-Year Deal, Reenter Free Agency In 2025 When More Teams Have Cap Space https://t.co/5oIVzC2HdJ

— RealGM (@RealGM) July 2, 2024

“Well, I think there’s interest in DeMar DeRozan, but the kind of contract that he might want just is not going to be available. The Lakers have an interest. How do they acquire DeMar DeRozan? That becomes a much different scenario. LeBron James has talked about a willingness to take significantly less money to open up their mid-level exception. I think in DeMar DeRrozan’s case, and it may not be as appealing to him, but it may look like a one-year deal somewhere.” Wojnarowski said.

Lakers Reportedly Eyeing Sign-and-Trade Deal with DeRozan for Three-Year Contract

The Lakers would need a sound strategy to add DeRozan to the franchise. According to Wojnarowski, a sign-and-trade deal would involve DeRozan signing a three-year contract. This would prevent him from exploring other options in the upcoming summer when the salary cap is expected to increase.

“Let the market reset next year because if you do a sign-and-trade, it’s got to be at least three years. And now you’re locked into a three-year deal at a number you may not like. The Lakers are interested, but is there a mechanism that would allow them to create a slot to acquire him. That’s going to be the harder part. It’s tough when you give out the big money; there’s not always money left for a guy like DeMar DeRozan, who was an All-Star recently, but we’ll see what happens with him.” Wojnarowski added

Another ESPN insider also gave an opinion on the DeRozan trade. Brian Windhorst mentioned that DeRozan is on the list of players LeBron James would feel good about taking less money to bring to the Los Angeles Lakers. He also mentioned that free agent Klay Thompson is on the list.

Kylie Jenner has been locked in an ultra private romance with A-list actor Timothee Chalamet for just over year.

And the Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, has no plans to kiss and tell on her family’s  reality TV show, The Kardashians, despite their $100million Hulu deal.

A source told PEOPLE on Tuesday that Kylie — who reunited with the Wonka star in LA over the weekend — is ‘very protective’ of her relationship with Timothee, 28, and has purposely avoided bringing him up on camera.

‘Things are great with Timothée. Kylie is happy. They are both busy, but making time to see each other, especially on the weekends,’ the insider dished.

Kylie is based in Los Angeles with her two kids while Timothee has been busy shooting a Bob Dylan biopic in New Jersey since May.

Kylie Jenner has been locked in an ultra private romance with A-list actor Timothee Chalamet for just over year; the couple seen in January

But they haven’t let the distance come between them.

‘He’s been working in N.Y.C. She’s visited him and he’s also been back to L.A. some weekends. They’re making it work,’ the source insisted.

‘Kylie is protective of the relationship, but whenever she talks about him, she has a huge smile.’

They added: ‘She really likes so many things about him.’

Like its predecessor Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the Kardashian-Jenner clan’s latest series, The Kardashians, lets fans in on their rollercoaster love lives, business deals and family rifts.

The show — which is currently in its fifth season — launched in April 2022, with Variety previously revealing that the family split the incredible nine-figure salary they received from Hulu.

Khloe Kardashian, 40, has detailed the painful aftermath of Tristan Thompson’s paternity scandal, Kim Kardashian, 43, has broken down in tears over her drama-plagued divorce with Kanye West and Kourtney Kardashian, 45, has spoken candidly about her very active sex life with husband Travis Barker.

But Kylie has yet to even utter Timothee’s name on camera despite the couple going public in September 2023.

It’s been speculated that they secretly began dating in April 2023 following Kylie’s split with baby daddy Travis Scott in December 2022.

She and the 33-year-old rapper share two kids: daughter Stormi, six, and son Aire, two.

Kylie kept most of her five year on/off romance with Travis off of TV but it appears that her relationship with Chalamet is getting a full blackout.

The season five premiere of The Kardashian showed Kylie spending time abroad during Paris Fashion Week last year, where she had been spotted with Timothee at the time.

And the Kylie Cosmetics founder, 26, has no plans to kiss and tell on her family’s reality TV show, The Kardashians, despite their $100million Hulu deal

A source told PEOPLE on Tuesday that Kylie — who reunited with the Wonka star in LA over the weekend — is ‘very protective’ of her relationship with Timothee, 28, and has purposely avoided bringing him up on camera; seen in September 2023

Timothee did not make any appearance in the episode, and was not mentioned throughout the season premiere as well.

Shortly before the season five premiere, fans had been convinced that Jenner gave a secret nod to Chalamet in a teaser.

The beauty mogul stood in a front of a desert-inspired backdrop – and fans speculated she was referencing to the actor’s latest movie, Dune: Part Two – which was released in theaters back in March.

However, her other family members also joined in during the promo, including mother, Kris Jenner, and her sisters.

On Friday, Kylie and Timothee were photographed together for the first time since they attended the Golden Globes in January.

The couple kept low profiles in face masks as they arrived at the TCL Chinese Theatre for a movie night.

It follows their double date in New York City in May, although they were not photographed together at the time. They joined another couple at the hotspot called Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, as reported by PEOPLE at the time.

During the relaxing outing, an insider expressed to the outlet that Timothee was ‘really chill and so nice’ at the casual dinner.

A separate source added that both Jenner and Chalamet prefer to keep their relationship ‘low-key’ and mainly out of the public eye.

The two most likely spent time together in the Big Apple due to Timothee currently filming his upcoming movie, A Complete Unknown, on the East Coast.

Kylie and Timothee were last pictured together earlier this year in January when they attended the Golden Globes together.

Like its predecessor Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the Kardashian-Jenner clan’s latest series, The Kardashians, lets fans in on their rollercoaster love lives, business deals and family rifts

Kylie has yet to even utter Timothee’s name on camera despite the couple going public in September 2023

‘Things are great with Timothée. Kylie is happy. They are both busy, but making time to see each other, especially on the weekends,’ the insider dished; Chalamet seen in February

During the awards ceremony, Jenner and Chalamet cozied up as they sat next to each other.

At one point, also shared a sweet kiss inside The Beverly Hilton where the festivities took place.

Shortly after their appearance together at the event, a source told Us Weekly: ‘Timothee mingled for a little bit but was otherwise right next to Kylie the whole time.’

‘They were having a very intimate conversation and shared a few kisses. It was obvious they have amazing chemistry.’

The same insider added that the lovebirds ‘couldn’t keep their hands off each other’ throughout the big night.

Sources also told Us Weekly that the couple are ‘madly in love.’

It was revealed that the Dune: Part Two actor has already met Kylie’s two children, Stormi and Aire – whom she shares with ex Travis Scott.

‘Timothee has met them in group situations where there were other family members or friends around.’

The source later added that Jenner’s family ‘adores’ the actor and stated, ‘They are all for this relationship and really hope it lasts.’

But in early March, split rumors arose when the pair were not seen together for nearly three months.

However, later that same month, insiders told DailyMail.com that the pair have not ended their relationship and explained the lack of them appearing in the spotlight was to ‘protect’ their romance.

Kylie and Timothee recently met up in Los Angeles on Friday for a movie date

They were last photographed packing on the PDA at the Golden Globes back in January

‘Timothee didn’t like all the attention he got with Kylie during the Golden Globes and their kiss took away from the reason he was there.’

The source said, ‘His career is taking off and he wants to protect it and let it thrive based on his talent – not who he is or isn’t dating. He also wants to protect his relationship with Kylie.’

‘They are still dating. But Timothee has decided to keep a low profile with Kylie, mainly because he wants Dune 2 to get all the attention and for the movie to speak for itself,’ the insider added at the time.

The source expressed that the Kylie Cosmetics founder ‘knows that he thinks the world of her, and she gets the person that he is personally and the person he wants to be professionally.’

‘Maybe a year from now when Dune 2 starts getting nominated for things, he will be more relaxed about being out with her and attending more red carpets together. But as of now, he is keeping the relationship close to his chest and Kylie is fine with that.’

Last month in April, rumors began to swirl on social media that The Kardashians star was expecting her first child with Chalamet.

Comedian Daniel Tosh had alleged during an episode on his podcast that Kylie was pregnant and claimed she revealed the news while filming Hulu’s The Kardashians at a market in Malibu.

However, a source shut down the speculation and claims to DailyMail.com, stating that the rumors were ‘100% false.’