Apologetic Stephen A. Smith: Regretful Remarks to LeBron James After Lakers’ Unbelievable Comeback vs. Clippers.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith apologized to LeBron James on Thursday after the forward led the Los Angeles Lakers to a comeback 116–112 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

The Lakers overcame a 21-point deficit, thanks in large part to James. The four-time NBA champion outscored the Clippers himself in the fourth quarter 19–16. It was the biggest fourth quarter comeback in James’s nearly 21 years in the NBA.

The reason Smith felt the need to apologize is because he said the “Clippers going to bust their a– tomorrow night” on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday night’s game. Although he was referring to the Lakers as a whole and not James specifically, he wanted to highlight the 39-year-old’s incredible night.

 

“I owe LeBron James an apology, I just do,” Smith said on First Take. “LeBron James was sensational. To watch him in that fourth quarter, to watch him drilling those three’s, to know he’s in his 21st season, he’s 39 years of age. … I have to stand down, and I have to say on national television … his greatness was so sublime, so spectacular, I have to sit up there and pay homage and give major, major props to the one and only LeBron James.

“I apologize, LeBron James, I apologize ’cause Lord have mercy, he was something special last night.”

 

The Clippers remained in the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference standings with the loss, while the Lakers sit at the No. 9 position.

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Shannon Sharpe Highlights Similarities Between LeBron James and LaVar Ball in Response to NBA Star’s Critique of ESPN’s Mock Draft Snubbing Son Bronny.

Shannon Sharped compared NBA legend LeBron James to LaVar Ball on Tuesday after he complained on social media about his USC star son, Bronny James, being left out of ESPN’s latest mock for this summer’s NBA Draft.

Bronny is the eldest child of LeBron James, and the Trojan guard’s skills have been touted by his father for years.

In a now-deleted post on X, James called his son ‘definitely better than some of these cats I’ve been watching’ in the NBA in March 2023. That hype sounds similar to how Ball touted son Lonzo ahead of the 2017 NBA Draft.

 

Ball said his eldest son was better than Steph Curry and became an overnight sensation for his bombastic personality. LeBron does not need any help garnering more media attention for himself and his family.

Before Bronny suffered from cardiac arrest last year, some projections had the USC freshman as a lottery pick in this summer’s draft. Now, he’s off ESPN’s 2024 mock draft completely and may have to wait a year for a chance at the NBA.

LeBron has been publicly supporting his son, Bronny, for years as a possible future NBA star

Sharpe believes LeBron’s comments are reminiscent of what transpired with the Ball family

‘The mere fact that he’s even playing college basketball should be commended, should be applauded,’ Sharpe said. ‘The man had a very serious heart complication, and now he’s playing, he’s averaging five [points].’

‘So let him come back, lets see what he does when he gets a full training camp up under his belt… he’s on a minutes restriction and they’re able to turn him lose. Let’s see what it can be,’ Sharpe added.

James, in between games for the Lakers, retorted to his son’s dupe on social media.

‘Can y’all please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball,’ James said on X. ‘The work and results will ultimately do the talking no matter what he decides to do. If y’all don’t know he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, he just WORKS! Earned Not Given!’

‘And to all the other kids out there striving to be great just keep your head down, blinders on and keep grinding,’ LeBron continued. ‘These Mock Drafts doesn’t matter one bit! I promise you! Only the WORK MATTERS!! Let’s talk REAL BASKETBALL PEOPLE!’

James replied to his son’s removal stating kids should not pay attention to the predictions

 

Sharpe has been a staunch defender of James for years. Not taking the soon-to-be Hall of Famer’s side is a change in tone for the longtime talk-show host.

Lonzo Ball and Bronny James were both highly touted prep prospects in the Los Angeles area and both chose to go to college nearby as well.

Ball has since faded from the public view with his sons all moving on to professional basketball. James previously expressed a desire to play in the NBA with Bronny.

Bronny is averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season.

Lakers Secure Overtime Victory, Handing Wizards Their 13th Consecutive Loss with a 134-131 Score.

Anthony Davis had 40 points and scored the Lakers’ final basket in overtime, and Los Angeles extended the Washington Wizards’ losing streak to 13 games with a 134-131 victory Thursday night.

LeBron James scored 31 points and hit a key 3-pointer in OT for the Lakers, who never managed to pull away from a struggling opponent during their ninth victory in 12 games. James is now nine points shy of becoming the first player in NBA history to score 40,000.

Jordan Poole scored a season-high 34 points and Marvin Bagley III added a season-high 23 for the Wizards, who are three losses shy of matching the longest skid in franchise history despite this encouraging effort against the Lakers. Washington missed five straight shots and made two turnovers down the stretch in overtime, going scoreless in the final 3:50.

 

Former Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma scored 20 points, but missed a tying 3-point attempt with eight seconds left in overtime. Corey Kispert also had 20 points for Washington.

The Wizards led for most of the first three quarters, and they rallied from an eight-point deficit in the fourth. Washington led 126-124 with 43 seconds left in regulation after Poole drained his fifth 3-pointer of the night, but Austin Reaves tied it for LA with a fadeaway jumper.

Poole missed a 31-footer at the regulation buzzer.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, shoots as Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija, right, defends and center Jaxson Hayes watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Despite a perpetually balky ankle that forced him to miss two games around the All-Star break, James returned to the court against Washington just one night after his 19-point fourth quarter in the Lakers´ spectacular comeback victory over the Clippers.

The 39-year-old James is all but certain to hit his 40,000-point milestone Saturday on national television against defending champion Denver.

 

D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points for the Lakers.

Wizards rookie Bilal Coulibaly missed his second straight game with a bruised right pelvis, but Avdija returned from a three-game absence with a bruised left heel.

Cam Reddish missed the second half for the Lakers after playing four minutes in the first half. He only returned Wednesday from a five-week absence due to an ankle injury.

Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, center, and forward Anthony Davis defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell celebrates after making a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, center, shoots as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, left, and forward Corey Kispert defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Los Angeles.

LeBron James Nears 40,000 Points: Exploring 40 Stats Surrounding the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer’s Latest Milestone.

LeBron James is closing in on becoming the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is just 40 points shy of the milestone after an impressive outing in the Lakers’ win over the Clippers on Wednesday. He could get there as soon as Thursday versus the Wizards, but Saturday against the Nuggets seems more likely.

What better time to take a 40,000-foot view of his incredible scoring prowess over the years?

Here are 40 facts on LeBron’s quest to 40K, looking through the lens of several aspects, from his unparalleled longevity, to the unique ways he got there and of course, the downright bizarre, quirky and jaw-dropping stats.

 

Longevity

Let’s start with longevity. After all, we wouldn’t be here if LeBron didn’t have one of the longest (if not the longest) primes in sports history.

1. LeBron has scored at least 10 points in 1,203 straight games, easily the longest streak in NBA history, ahead of Michael Jordan (866). The last time he failed to score in double figures was on Jan. 5, 2007.

2. He’s ranked top 20 in the NBA in points per game in every season of his career, by far the longest streak (21 straight seasons) in NBA history (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is next with 17 straight seasons), and the longest “scoring prime” in modern sports history, as I discovered last year.

3. James is the youngest (21) and oldest (37) NBA player to average 30 points per game in a season.

4. He is the only player in NBA history with a 40-point game vs. all 30 teams.

5. He has a 40-point game in all but one season in his career (2015-16).

6. He is averaging as many points per 36 minutes this season (25.7) than in his career (25.7).

7. He has the 13 highest-scoring games in NBA history by a player in his 21st (or later) season.

8. He is averaging 25.2 points per game this season. Nobody else has had more than 7.4 PPG in their 21st (or later) season.

9. He scored 2,566 career points vs. the Seattle SuperSonics, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats, franchises that no longer go by those names.

10. He is the only player in NBA history who ranks in the top 10 in career scoring average and games played.

11. He is the oldest player in the NBA. The last time the oldest player averaged double figures in scoring was 2002-03 with John Stockton at 10.8 PPG (h/t Tim Reynolds, Associated Press).

12. LeBron’s first NBA points were scored more than 20 years ago (Oct. 29, 2003) vs. the Sacramento Kings, who rostered Jabari Smith, the father of current Rockets’ forward Jabari Smith Jr. (2022 third overall pick). FYI, LeBron’s played vs. at least 10 father-son duos in his career.

13. Looking ahead, he can be the first player in NBA history to score as a teenager and in his 40s. He turns 40 in December.

The wow numbers

Now that I’ve whet the appetite, here’s a main course of stunning facts.

14. LeBron has more points in his career than Larry Bird and Magic Johnson combined (39,498).

15. He could go scoreless in 125 straight games and still have a higher career scoring average than Kobe Bryant (25.0).

16. LeBron passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list roughly five years ago (March 6, 2019).

17. If he never made a 3-pointer or free throw in his career, he’d still have more points than Kevin Durant.

18. He has scored 133 career points with his team eliminated from playoff contention, or 0.3% of his career total (he’s missed the playoffs four times in his career).

19. He’s scored more points since he last won an MVP in 2012-13 (18,879) than Tracy McGrady did in his entire career (18,381).

20. LeBron has scored over 11,000 points since he last fouled out in a game (April 9, 2017).

21. He has the same number of career 50-point games as all players combined in Celtics history (14).

22. He has more career 50-point games (14) than games with single-digit points (8).

23. A full season (82 games) of LeBron’s lowest-scoring games would equal 12.6 PPG, the same as the career scoring average of Hall of Famer Jason Kidd.

24. LeBron has never scored exactly 49 points in a regular-season game (twice in the playoffs).

25. He won his only scoring title in 2007-08 (30.0 PPG) when the Seattle SuperSonics were in their last season of existence (before becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder) with rookie Kevin Durant.

26. LeBron could miss 304 straight shots and still have a career field goal percentage of exactly 50.0%.

27. He does not have the highest-scoring game vs. any one franchise in NBA history.

28. The first player to score 30,000 points (Wilt Chamberlain), 35,000 points (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and soon 40,000 points (LeBron James) all did so in a Lakers uniform.

29. LeBron has 1,803 career points vs the Bulls, his most vs. any team in his career (because of course, it’s vs. the Bulls).

Incredible scoring feats

Let’s not forget LeBron’s many historic scoring feats.

30. LeBron has the most points in a game in Miami Heat history (61 on March 3, 2014 vs. Charlotte Bobcats).

31. He has the most 30-point games on 50% shooting in NBA history (429).

32. He has a 13-game streak with at least 25 points on 50% shooting last season, tied for the longest streak by any player since the 1976-77 merger (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O’Neal).

33. He is the youngest player in NBA history to every 1,000-point milestone (1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, 5K, 6K … 38K, 39K).

34. He averages at least 25 points per game vs. every franchise except for the Pistons (24.1) (this number could fall below 25.0 vs the Clippers if he scores 22 points or fewer on Wednesday).

35. He is the only player to average at least 26 points per game for three different franchises (Heat, Lakers, Cavaliers) in a career (min. 100 games for each team).

Scoring every possible way

Well, he wouldn’t be the first to 40,000 points if he was easy to guard. For over two decades, James has proven he can score anytime, anyway, from anywhere.

36. LeBron is the only player in NBA history who ranks in the top 10 in points off twos, threes and free throws.

37. LeBron is the fourth in the NBA in both dunks and 30+ footers made in the shot-tracking era (since 1996-97). He is the only player who ranks top 30 in both in that span.

38. LeBron leads the NBA in points in clutch time, on fastbreaks and in the paint since those were all first tracked in 1996-97.

39. He’s led the NBA in clutch-time scoring (final five minutes, score within five points) an NBA-high three times since entering the league in 2003-04 (2007-08, 2009-10, 2017-18).

40. With the Lakers, 25% of his points are from 3-point range. He was never over 20% in his other three career stops.

Fashion Forward: LeBron James and Wife Savannah Make a Statement at Super Bowl 2024 with UN Hat and Louis Vuitton Shirt.

LeBron James rocks UN hat & Louis Vuitton shirt at Super Bowl 2024 with wife Savannah. See photos and read more.

Every year, American sports enthusiasts eagerly look forward to the Super Bowl. The moment tickets go on sale, the host stadium fills up instantly.

As usual, the event attracts not only athletes but also celebrities and other influential personalities.

 

This season is no different, with a host of renowned figures adding to the mix of Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers supporters currently watching the face-off.

In the ranks of NBA personalities, LeBron James and Draymond Green are some of the notable figures who showed up in Las Vegas.

LeBron James carved out time on Sunday night to witness Super Bowl LVIII where the Kansas City Chiefs clashed against the San Francisco 49ers, right there in Las Vegas. Alongside him were his wife, Savannah, and agent, Rich Paul.

Being a special occasion, the Lakers star opted for a rather unique outfit. Adorning himself with a tropical-inspired Louis Vitton shirt that cost $900, LeBron looked as comfortable as ever.

He also added a fashionable touch with a $55 CHOSEN UN snapback hat. LeBron James co-founded UNINTERRUPTED, an athlete-centric brand known for merging media, experiential offerings, and consumer products within the sports culture scene.

Among the NBA celebrities, James wasn’t alone. Along with Draymond Green, former basketball sensations like Shaquille O’Neal and Tony Parker were also spotted among the spectators.

LeBron James’ Brand Connections: Empowering Athletes and Communities

LeBron James and Maverick Carter founded UNINTERRUPTED, an athlete empowerment brand. This sports culture hub, lauded with multiple Emmy Awards, fuses innovative media, experiences, and consumer products.

The concept of “More Than an Athlete” guides this brand, aiming at inspiring every person by deploying athletes as storytellers and creators.

His 18-year-long career has seen him amass over $1 billion, with close to $400 million out of salary and more than $600 million from non-athletic ventures.

His numerous business explorations, endorsements, and investments have greatly contributed to his fortune.

Even though UNINTERRUPTED’s direct contribution to his wealth isn’t explicitly outlined, the brand undeniably plays a role in his versatile and profitable array of assets.

Going further in his entrepreneurial journey, LeBron James co-owns the designer label UNKNWN with his childhood friends.

This brand provides a wide range of clothing items like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, in addition to footwear and accessories.

UNKNWN operates physical stores in Akron, Ohio, and Miami, Florida, with an online presence.

Additionally, LeBron James teamed up with Nike to launch his clothing line, offering various apparel and footwear.

The brand UNKNWN is recognized for facilitating brand-consumer interaction via immersive experiences and for its community-centric approach.

LeBron James Takes Charge, Orchestrates Lakers’ Remarkable 4th Quarter Comeback, Wiping Out 21-Point Advantage of Clippers.

LeBron James needed a comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, but that’s not much when you’re dominating Father Time like he is.

In the biggest comeback of his 21-season career, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar led a 21-point fourth-quarter comeback to stun his team’s crosstown rivals, pulling out a 116-112 win in thrilling fashion. James posted 19 points in that fourth quarter, including five 3-pointers and four assists.

He personally outscored the Clippers 19-16. Add in those assists and it was a blowout.

 

The Clippers, playing without All-Star Paul George, took a 98-77 lead to open the scoring in the game, then proceeded to slip horrendously on defense. The team didn’t seem to really mind giving up easy matchups to James, repeatedly soft-switching and getting punished for it.

Just watch how many times Norman Powell and James Harden, not exactly defensive heavyweights, are guarding James in this video:

 

James kept making shots and the Clippers slowed down just enough on offense to open the door for the Lakers. Or, as James put it to ESPN:
“Keep executing. The game is not ever over until it’s double zeroes. We just kept fighting, kept getting defensive stops, made some shots.”
The Clippers debuted a new look on Monday, but it was an old story on Wednesday. The team still has an 11-7 record against James since he joined the Lakers, but it’s now lost three straight to him, all in comebacks. It blew a 19-point lead in November and a nine-point lead in January.

The Lakers and Clippers do not play again for the rest of the regular season. If they do not meet in the postseason, Wednesday will be the Clippers’ last “home” game against the Lakers at the arena before moving to their new Intuit Dome next season.

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LeBron James, at Age 39, Delivers 30+ Points to Propel Lakers’ Thrilling Comeback Win against the Clippers.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the final game between the two teams at Crypto.com Arena before the Clippers move to their own arena next season. The Lakers came in with a 31-28 record, which put them in 10th place in the Western Conference, and they badly need wins in order to improve their chances of making the playoffs.

After a close first quarter, the Clippers opened up a 14-point lead with 4:09 left in the second quarter with the help of advantages in free throws and forced turnovers. They led by 14 at halftime as the Lakers couldn’t stymie them or force them out of their preferred actions on offense. After the Lakers made a mini-rally early in the third period, the Clippers pushed their lead to 18 and led by 19 at the end of three quarters on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Norman Powell.

It looked like the Purple and Gold were dead in the water. But that’s when LeBron James happened.

 

With him making play after play, the Lakers gulped away at their deficit, and the Clippers gradually lost their swagger. The Lakers finally took a 109-106 lead with 3:10 remaining, and they never looked back. Even when their lead went from six to two with 36 seconds left, they came up with a clutch defensive stop to preserve a 116-112 victory.

Ever since the 2012-13 season, the Clippers have won the vast majority of their games versus the Lakers. But thanks to this win, the Lakers took the 2023-24 season series against them three games to one.

It was a nice way for the Purple and Gold to bounce back from a weak loss on Sunday to the Phoenix Suns in which they got badly outrebounded and outscored from the free throw line.

For a change, the Lakers outrebounded their opponents, and they also had the edge in 3-pointers. They shot 14-of-36 from downtown compared to 10-of-37 for the Clippers, and in the fourth quarter, they made a whopping nine treys compared to just one for the Clippers.

This game was yet another example of how the Lakers can beat any team in the NBA when they play hard and play up to their ability.

Anthony Davis: B/B-plus

As usual, Davis started the game strong with eight points, two blocked shots and one steal in the first quarter before picking up his second foul with just over a minute left in the period. Although he was quiet offensively afterward and didn’t even attempt a single shot in the fourth quarter, he made his impact felt.

He got four key rebounds in the final five minutes and change to bolster the Lakers’ comeback, and in all, he had 12 rebounds and 20 points. He also blocked three shots and added two steals to help his team’s cause.

Rui Hachimura: B-plus/A-minus

Hachimura was assertive in the first half. Even though he missed all three of his 3-point attempts during that time, he scored 10 points, and he had a monster dunk on Terance Mann about midway through the second quarter.

He then made the 3-pointer that gave the Lakers their first lead of the second half, and moments later, he hit a reverse layup to put them ahead by five.

The forward finished with 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting in 29 minutes. When he is this aggressive, both on and off the ball, it makes them a significantly better team.

Austin Reaves: B

Reaves was hustling fairly hard at times on Wednesday. In the third quarter, he had back-to-back fast-break buckets off turnovers, and in general, he made a nice effort defensively and in transition.

He shot 6-of-11, giving him 13 points, and he added eight rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes.

D’Angelo Russell: B-plus

Russell was quiet until late in the first quarter, but despite being more assertive in the second period, he was only able to score seven points in the first half.

He was far more efficient afterward though. While he took just three shots in the second half, he made all of them, and two of them were 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers’ rally, including a cold-blooded one that put them up 114-108 with 1:12 left.

Russell finished with 18 points and six assists while shooting 6-of-10 overall and 3-of-6 from downtown.

King LeBron James: A-plus

James had 15 points through three quarters, but he turned into the Hulk afterward. He hit three 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to spark the Lakers’ big rally, and in all, he hit five treys during the period while shooting 7-of-12 and scoring 19 points. He finished the game with 34 points and six rebounds.

When the Clippers tried sending a second defender at him in the fourth period, he fed teammates such as Russell and Hachimura for open shots, giving him four assists in the period and eight for the game.

James was also active on the defensive end. He helped force a key Clippers turnover in the fourth quarter, and he had two chasedown block attempts, although one of them resulted in a goaltending violation.

This performance was a reminder that even after all these years, James can still be the best player on the floor for long stretches.

Feb. 28 Showdown: Speculation Mounts on Whether LeBron James Will Face the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Los Angeles Lakers are sitting in 10th in the West and needing a win against the Clippers, but could LeBron James was listed as questionable tonight.

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking on their intercity rivals, the LA Clippers tonight from the Crypto.com Arena. They desperately need wins sitting in the bottom half of the Western Conference, but one of their biggest stars in the league is questionable coming into the game.

 

LeBron limping into final stretch of season

LeBron James has been battling through an ankle injury for the last few months, and had to have treatment on it during the All-Star Break. He missed the game against the Warriors in the Lakers first game back, and even though he played the last two games against San Antonio and Phoenix, he is listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Clippers.

Currently sitting in the 10th spot in the West the Lakers have to win games, but they also want the NBA’s All-Time leading scorer to be healthy come the end of the season and into the playoffs. Darvin Ham, LeBron and the medical staff are doing a balancing act to ensure they have a chance to win as many games as possible while keeping the No. 23 healthy.

The Lakers had to get through the Play-In game last year before making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals. They would like to avoid having to go through the Play-In Tournament this year, but they come into tonight 3.5 games back of Phoenix who have the final automatic playoff spot sitting in 6th in the West.

LeBron is 39 years old, but he is still averaging 25 points and grabbing 7.2 rebounds while dishing 7.9 assists a game. He’s played in 51 of the Lakers 59 games but load management was been an issue, especially when you consider he has been on a minutes limit that has been followed very casually.

Laпce Stepheпsoп’s All-Time NBA Top 5 Iпclυdes LeBroп James, Michael Jordaп, aпd Shaq.

Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images

Former 10-year NBA veteraп Laпce Stepheпsoп didп’t worry aboυt positioпs wheп пamiпg his top five NBA players of all time.

Iп пo particυlar order, Stepheпsoп selected Kobe Bryaпt, Michael Jordaп, LeBroп James, Tim Dυпcaп aпd Shaqυille O’Neal as his top five iп aп iпterview with HoopsHype’s Sam Yip.

“That’s my startiпg five right there,” Stepheпsoп said. “I kпow there goппa be a lot of argυmeпt of who goппa shoot the ball, bυt I thiпk they’ll figυre it oυt aпd actυally beat everybody that everyoпe else picks.”

Stepheпsoп eпtered the NBA iп 2020 as a secoпd-roυпd selectioп by the Iпdiaпa Pacers.

Dυriпg the Pacers’ rυп to the 2014 Easterп Coпfereпce Fiпals, Stepheпsoп had a rυп-iп with oпe of the members of his top-five list. He iпfamoυsly blew iп James’ ear dυriпg Game 5 of the series.

“That gυy is a toυgh gυy to gυard, so yoυ got to briпg yoυr all, aпd that’s what I did,” Stepheпsoп said iп 2021 aboυt that momeпt, per Dioпysis Aravaпtiпos for Yahoo Sports.

Iп additioп to 338 games with the Pacers, Stepheпsoп played for the Charlotte Horпets, Los Aпgeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleaпs Pelicaпs, Miппesota Timberwolves, Los Aпgeles Lakers aпd Atlaпta Hawks.

After playiпg as teammates with James dυriпg his 2018-19 seasoп with the Lakers, Stepheпsoп last played iп the NBA iп 2022. He amassed 4,738 poiпts iп 554 total games.

Stepheпsoп cυrreпtly competes for the G Leagυe’s Iowa Wolves, where is he averagiпg 15.0 poiпts iп 29.0 miпυtes per game this seasoп. He told Yip his goal iп Iowa “is to get back υp there with NBA teams.”

Michael Jordaп Apologizes aпd Explaiпs Abseпce from Chris Chelios’ Jersey Retiremeпt: ‘I Had a Death iп My Family.

Americaп bυsiпessmaп aпd former professioпal basketball player Michael Jordaп aпd Americaп retired professioпal ice hockey defeпsemaп Chris Chelios are Chicago sports legeпds. Chelios is a Hall of Famer who speпt most of his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks. He had his jersey retired receпtly by the team.

Several celebrities were spotted at the Blackhawks game eveпt. However, MJ did пot follow throυgh oп his iпvitatioп to the eveпt.

New York Post Sports reported Jordaп posted a video oп the NBC Sports Chicago website to explaiп why he missed the eveпt.

“I had a death iп the family for Sυпday,” The Bυlls legeпd said. “Look, yoυ’re a very deserviпg maп, aпd I’m proυd to see yoυr jersey υp there with my jersey. Yoυ aпd I have beeп frieпds for 30 years, so I wish yoυ the best. I seпd a bυпch of love, yoυ kпow, go Blackhawks!”

Exploriпg Michael Jordaп aпd Chris Chelios’ relatioпship
The Bυlls legeпd Michael Jordaп aпd Blackhawks legeпd Chris Chelios are Hall of Fame frieпds. The two played iп Chicago at the same time from 1990-98 aпd became frieпds dυriпg this time.

They both played iп the same areпa, the Uпited Ceпter, from 1994-98. Jordaп woп six champioпships iп Chicago dυriпg that spaп.

Althoυgh Chelios led the Blackhawks to the Staпley Cυp Fiпal iп 1992, the team пever raised the cυp dυriпg his teпυre. The Blackhawks fiпally woп the cυp iп 2010, loпg after Chelios left. This also marked the eпd of a title droυght that begaп iп 1961.

Chelios is 62 years old, while Jordaп is 61. Chelios wore No. 7 with the Blackhawks aпd made five All-Star teams while iп Chicago.

Chelios gave Jordaп a shoυtoυt dυriпg his speech at the jersey retiremeпt. He credited Jordaп with iпspiriпg his traiпiпg regimeп.

“Aпd we go of coυrse to Michael Jordaп, who became a dear frieпd of miпe. Withoυt a doυbt, the kiпg,” Chelios said. “Aпd that old phrase they υse, ‘I waпt to be like Mike.’ Well, I really did waпt to be like Mike. Aпd oпe thiпg I did, which I hadп’t doпe previoυsly iп my career, was traiп properly.””Aпd I jυst watched him after every game with Tim Grove, his traiпer. Aпd I thoυght to myself, well, if Michael’s got a traiпer that might be my edge. I’ll get a traiпer.”

Chelios said the two sports legeпds woυld celebrate oпe day sooп. MJ also missed this year’s Bυlls Riпg of Hoпor ceremoпy earlier this seasoп. He seпt iп a video tribυte message for that eveпt as well.