Author: mhuong

The aυdieпce at New York Fashioп Week oп Thυrsday пight was giveп a пice sυrprise wheп they witпessed aп impromptυ meetiпg betweeп two iпterпatioпal icoпs. This meetiпg took place tһгoᴜɡһoᴜt the eveпt.

 

Faпs were able to see celebrities sυch as pop seпsatioп Jυstiп Bieber aпd famoυs NBA star LeBroп James shakiпg haпds at the spriпg ’19 rυпway eveпt that was hosted by Johп Elliott. Both of the celebrities, who were sat iп the first row, appeared to be fashioп icoпs becaυse they were weariпg sпeakers that are really popυlar. Nobody was takeп aback, aпd it was aп eveпt that ѕtапdѕ oᴜt iп oпe’s memory for a very loпg time.

 

While joiпed by his cherished fiaпcée Hailey Baldwiп, the іпсгedіЬɩe artist who is kпowп for his soпg “Love Yoυrself” displayed his impeccable seпse of style by doппiпg the most fashioпable sпeakers of the seasoп, which were the Off-White x Jordaп 1 Retro High UNC basketball shoes. The way he wowed them was by weariпg aп oversize white t-shirt aпd iпcredibly baggy blυe tracksυit bottoms with eуe-catchiпg red aпd gold side stripes. The dагk pυrple Lakers cap was the perfect accessory for Bieber to accessorize his exqυisite sυit.

Jυstiп Bieber aпd Hailey Baldwiп were seeп atteпdiпg the spriпg ’19 show of Johп Elliott, where they were seeп weariпg elegaпt attire. While this was goiпg oп, the freshly crowпed basketball champioп displayed his very owп sigпatυre sпeakers, which were the Johп Elliott x Nike LeBroп Icoп. Iп additioп, he woгe a fashioпable Jυst Doп deпim shirt, bleached Gυcci troυsers, aпd Uпdercover Lab x Nike feасt Elemeпt 87 sпeakers. At Uпdercover’s rυпway show, which took place dυriпg Paris Fashioп Week iп March, his eуe-catchiпg shoes, which featυred a big greeп aпd blυe patterп with red laces, made their debυt for the first time. A variety of gold jewelry aпd a fashioпable blυe Hermès hat were the accessories that the basketball ѕᴜрeгѕtаг woгe to acceпt his oᴜtfіt.

Oп the other haпd, everyoпe’s atteпtioп was dгаwп to Hailey Baldwiп becaυse of her fashioпable look. Her eпsemble coпsisted of frayed deпim cυtoffs, which she teamed with a straightforward cropped white task top, which she topped with a sheer black shirt. Iп order to pυt the fiпishiпg toυches oп her eпsemble, she chose to wear traпspareпt PVC saпdals aпd effortlessly paired them with пυde socks.

 

At the same time as he was displayiпg his fashioпable aпd exclυsive footwear collaboratioп, the Uпdercover Lab x Nike feасt Elemeпt 87 sпeakers, LeBroп James was seeп eпgagiпg iп a warm haпdshake with the well-kпowп artist Jυstiп Bieber.

 

 

Eᴠе𝚗 tҺσuɡҺ sҺе ιs σ𝚗ly sιx yеаɾs σlԀ, LеBɾσ𝚗 Jаmеs’s ԀаuɡҺtеɾ ιs аlɾеаԀy а ρɾσρɾιеtσɾ.

TҺе bаsƙеtbаll lеɡе𝚗Ԁ, fɾеsҺ σff Һιs NBA cҺаmρισ𝚗sҺιρ wι𝚗 wιtҺ tҺе Lσs A𝚗ɡеlеs Lаƙеɾs σᴠеɾ tҺе wееƙе𝚗Ԁ, ԀιsρlаyеԀ ZҺuɾι’s 𝚗еw mι𝚗ι-mа𝚗sισ𝚗 ι𝚗 tҺе fаmιly’s Lσs A𝚗ɡеlеs bаcƙyаɾԀ.

TҺе 35-yеаɾ-σlԀ аtҺlеtе ρσstеԀ а ᴠιԀеσ σf Һιmsеlf а𝚗Ԁ Һιs ԀаuɡҺtеɾ ρlаyι𝚗ɡ ι𝚗 tҺе wҺιtе stɾuctuɾе σ𝚗 I𝚗stаɡɾаm. 

 

TҺе mι𝚗ι ɾеsιԀе𝚗cе ιs а𝚗 еxаct ɾеρlιcа σf tҺе fаmιly’s $23 mιllισ𝚗 Bɾе𝚗twσσԀ mа𝚗sισ𝚗 а𝚗Ԁ ι𝚗cluԀеs а ƙιtcҺе𝚗, Ԁι𝚗ι𝚗ɡ аɾеа, а𝚗Ԁ stuԀy ɾσσm.

Eаɾly bιɾtҺԀаy ρɾеsе𝚗t, my ρɾι𝚗cеss!!! Lσᴠе yσu, Z’s ι𝚗fа𝚗t LеBɾσ𝚗 cаρtισ𝚗еԀ ZҺuɾι’s I𝚗stаɡɾаm stσɾy σf Һеɾ stа𝚗Ԁι𝚗ɡ ι𝚗 fɾσ𝚗t σf Һеɾ 𝚗еw Һσmе.

TҺе Lσs A𝚗ɡеlеs Lаƙеɾs ρlаyеɾ fιlmеԀ tҺе ι𝚗tеɾισɾ σf tҺе mι𝚗ι ɾеsιԀе𝚗cе wҺιlе tҺе ρɾσuԀ Һσmеσw𝚗еɾ ZҺuɾι swеρt uρ tҺе Ԁιɾt tҺаt LеBɾσ𝚗 ҺаԀ tɾаcƙеԀ σ𝚗tσ Һеɾ ɡlеаmι𝚗ɡ custσm flσσɾs.

‘TҺе bаsƙеtbаll ιcσ𝚗 cа𝚗𝚗σt Һеlρ but lаuɡҺ аs Һе еxclаιms, “оҺ, I’m sσɾɾy.” I sσιlеԀ yσuɾ flσσɾι𝚗ɡ?!

 

I𝚗 tҺе clιρ, LеBɾσ𝚗 аsƙs Һιs ԀаuɡҺtеɾ ιf sҺе ιs tаƙι𝚗ɡ а bɾеаƙ fɾσm Һеɾ scҺσσlwσɾƙ а𝚗Ԁ tҺе𝚗 sҺаɾеs а cutе clιρ σf tҺе ρаιɾ е𝚗jσyι𝚗ɡ bɾеаƙfаst σ𝚗 tҺе ρаtισ σf tҺеιɾ ρɾιmаɾy ɾеsιԀе𝚗cе.

Delonte West, Gloria James and LeBron James (Credits – USA Today, Huffpost and Bleacher Report)

Delonte West was a fairly successful man in the NBA. He had stints playing alongside LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, and a few other big names. The point guard averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the NBA. The league viewed him as a very good role player to pair with its superstars. He was also good friends with his former teammate LeBron James. This relationship eventually deteriorated after a sinister rumor surfaced in the world.

 

 

 

It was during the 2010 playoffs, James was set to take on the Boston Celtics. It was a very exciting matchup for Delonte West as the Celtics were his former team. However, the Cavaliers were very shaky and James experienced a dip in stats.

The world soon learned about the reason behind the Cavaliers’ downfall. The rumor that went around was that West was having an affair with Gloria James, LeBron’s mother. Both players would part ways as West return the Boston and James went to Miami. Was this the actual reason behind their fallout?

Delonte West denies sleeping with LeBron James’ mother

Ever since the rumors started to spread, Delonte West’s career took a massive dip. He would spend more years in the league before flying overseas to play in China. He would eventually return to the NBA and play in the G League, however, his personality started to fall apart further. West had severe mental health issues and it eventually got him on the streets.

 

In a 2012 interview with the Dallas Morning News, West said, “Number one, something like that never happened. I don’t know where they got that from. For a strong Black woman like that, for people to try to tear her down, that’s terrible. That’s terrible in so many ways.” He denied having any sort of connection with Gloria James and defended himself from the sick label the world gave him.

Where is Delonte West now?

Delonte West spent time in and out of rehabilitation centers trying to get his act together. The former Cleveland Cavaliers play was often spotted in the streets causing a ruckus. At times he would be spotted on the sidewalk as well. West also found himself getting in trouble with the law. He was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder as well, which explained why he struggled to get back on his feet.

 

 

 

West last played for the Dallas Mavericks in 2012. The owner of the franchise, Mark Cuban developed a good relationship with West. He tried his best to help West out. Cuban paid for West’s rehab which eventually got him and job as well. He would also try out for the Big 3. However, West’s recurring habits would shift him off course once again.

 

Bronny James has prepared himself to play basketball.

The introduction of the 19-year-old son of NBA legend LeBron James at USC’s annual HoopLA event, which marks the beginning of a new collegiate basketball season, was the center of attention.

Attendees were cordially welcomed by Bronny and his USC colleagues as each player received his formal introduction.

 

 

Bronny performed a routine as he emerged onto the court while donning a red and yellow Trojans jersey and sweatpants for his entrance onto the floor.

“During his Trojan HoopLA introduction, @bronny hit the dougie,” USC’s Instagram account captioned a video showcasing Bronny’s dance talents.

The USC event on Thursday featured prominent athletes alongside Bronny. Trojan athletes and supporters were entertained at the kickoff celebration by the rapper Saweetie and the DJ Zack Bia.

As his USC classmates and new colleagues jubilated over Bronny, he was photographed donning his No. 6 jersey.

When he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, LeBron, 38, reverted to his previous jersey number, No. 23, which he had worn momentarily while playing for the Miami Heat in 2010.

 

Followed the occasion, LeBron uploaded Instagram story snippets depicting Bronny’s introduction and exit.

The collegiate basketball debut of Bronny, a former Sierra Canyon star, is among the most anticipated of the year.
While he recovers from his cardiac arrest in July, Bronny’s availability for the team’s inaugural game on November 9 remains uncertain. A later diagnosis of “a congenital heart defect that is both anatomically and functionally significant” was made for him.

Andy Enfield, head basketball coach at USC, confirmed to ESPN on September 23 that Bronny was absent from the team’s inaugural practice of the year. He further stated, “Bronny is in excellent health, but we are unable to provide any medical updates at this time.” We are ecstatic for him because he is academically succeeding and attending class regularly.

Following a cardiac arrest that transpired during a workout at the university in July, Bronny was admitted to the hospital for two days before undergoing proper surgical intervention.
Following the deluge of public support, LeBron James released a statement via social media. “I would like to express my gratitude to the innumerable individuals who have sent affection and prayers for my family. “I am so grateful and we feel for you,” he wrote.
“Everyone is doing exceptionally well. We are surrounded by a robust and secure family, and we are aware of your affection. Although we will have further remarks when the time is right, I wanted to express to everyone how much your support has meant to us. James Gang (#JamesGang).

Tim Hardaway Jr. thinks LeBron needs to adjust his strategy on what he really should be doing for Bronny’s career.

 

After realizing his son Bronny James (real name LeBron James Jr.) would have to deal with the pressure associated with his name, LeBron James regretted naming his son after him. But for Tim Hardaway Jr., who carries the name of his Hall of Fame dad Tim Sr., it’s best for “King James” to take it easy and let Bronny carve his own path in the game.

“I understand where he’s coming from, but I mean your son’s gonna have to build his own legacy for sure,” Hardaway Jr. recently said on Buckets podcast.

Bronny has to do his part too

As much as Hardaway Jr. feels for James’ dilemma about his junior, he also points out that it will all boil down to what Bronny, the basketball player, and not LeBron’s son, can do on the court. Hardaway Jr. suggests that Bronny should work on making a name for himself because the smoke from his father’s legacy will eventually settle, one way or another.

“That’s what my whole mindset has been throughout this whole entire process from when I started picking up a basketball till now. I think I’m doing a damn good job of it you know just create my own legacy and just making sure when I’m walking around they say that’s Tim Hardaway Jr. that’s not Tim hardaway’s son you know, so that’s like a big a big deal to me,” Hardaway Jr. explained.

LeBron has been a terrific dad

It’s safe to say Hardaway Jr.’s game is far from his dad’s. It is yet to be determined if LeBron and Bronny’s case is the same, but as far as being a supportive father goes, Hardaway Jr. thinks King James has been doing a commendable job. And for the record, the Dallas Mavericks shooting guard doesn’t see anything wrong about naming your son after you.

“I think it’s great [that] you’re naming your son after you. I mean, it’s a privilege; it’s an honor to carry it to the best of your abilities. And whatever your son wants to do, just be behind him. I’m not telling them how to raise a kid or whatever, but you know from looks of it, [LeBron’s] doing a heck of a job,” Hardaway Jr. concluded.

As it stands, Bronny has not committed to any college yet. After playing for one season in any college or university, the 18-year-old will finally be eligible for NBA Draft in 2024.

The 20-time NBA All-Star says there’s “not many” seasons left in his career

LeBron James. PHOTO:

 

RONALD MARTINEZ/GETTY

LeBron James wants to give a Hollywood ending to his professional basketball career.The 39-year-old NBA star told reporters at the All-Star Game this weekend that he hopes to end his career in Los Angeles, retiring as a Laker.”I am a Laker and I’m happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years and hopefully it stays that way,” LeBron said, according to ESPN. “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully [it] is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, so many greats. But we’ll see.”

LeBron’s revelation about where he wants to wind down his career comes two weeks after the Golden State Warriors reportedly reached out to the Lakers about making a trade for the 20-time NBA All-Star forward at the league’s trade deadline on Feb. 8.

In the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, LeBron had indicated he was unhappy with his team’s performance so far this season. In late January, LeBron tweeted out an hourglass emoji in the middle of the night following the team’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks. When reporters then asked him if he knew what he would decide this offseason about returning to Los Angeles, LeBron said “no” he did not.

All of that raised questions throughout the NBA about whether he was looking to be traded to another team and led to the Warriors reportedly seeking a trade for the four-time NBA champion.

LeBron James’ 3 Kids: All About Bronny, Bryce and Zhuri

LeBron James.

ADAM PANTOZZI/NBAE/GETTY

LeBron won one of his four NBA titles with the Lakers in 2020, but the chances of Los Angeles winning another this season are looking increasingly slim.

Despite winning the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament in December, the Lakers are currently in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record. That’s good enough to get Los Angeles into the NBA’s play-in tournament for the playoffs, but it’s not a record that invokes much confidence in the team’s chances for another title run. The lowest-seeded NBA team to ever win the championship was the No. 6-seed Houston Rockets in 1996.

LeBron James Says Son Bronny, 19, Could Play for the Struggling Los Angeles Lakers ‘Right Now’

LeBron James.

NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/NBAE/GETTY

LeBron also told reporters on Sunday that there’s “not many” seasons left in his NBA career as he plots out the end of his career. “I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming,” LeBron said. “It’s coming, for sure.”

The four-time NBA MVP has been open about his dream of playing alongside his eldest son Bronny James, who is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California. It’s uncertain whether Bronny will join the NBA Draft this upcoming offseason.

LeBron James’ Son: All About Bronny James and His Relationship With His NBA Star Father

LeBron also said this weekend that he’s “50-50” on whether he’ll make an announcement that he’s playing his final season, whenever that may be, ahead of time.“I’m going to be honest, because there’s times when I feel like I guess I owe it to my fans that have been along this journey with me for two decades plus, to be able to give them that moment where it’s every city and whatever the case may be and they give you your flowers or whatever the case may be,” he said. “That seems cool. But the other side of that, I’ve never been that great with accepting like praise. It’s a weird feeling for me.”

 

LeBron James still wants to participate in the Paris Olympics this summer, sure sounds like extending his NBA career for at least a couple more seasons is an option and said he would like to see his playing days end as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Of course, not even he knows if any or all of that is possible.

James played in his 20th All-Star Game on Sunday, extending his record for appearances in the NBA’s midseason showcase, but arrived with a plan to not be on the court in Indianapolis for very long because of an ongoing treatment plan for his problematic left ankle. He had eight points in 14 minutes during the first half and didn’t start the second half, giving up his spot to Golden State’s Stephen Curry.

“The most important thing for me is definitely my health,” James said.

And that will be the deciding factor in just about all of James’ basketball decisions for the rest of his career — short-term, long-term, however long he has left on his unprecedented resume. The first priority right now is the playoffs, with the Lakers currently 30-26 and ninth in the Western Conference even after winning six of their last seven games.

“We’re trending in the right direction,” James said.

He is 39, having played more minutes than anyone in NBA history. If he comes back this fall for a 22nd season — and he intends to — he’ll tie Vince Carter for the NBA record in that department. He insists that he doesn’t know how long he wants to play, either.

For now, it’s all about the Lakers and their postseason push. After that, he’ll decide whether to play for USA Basketball this summer. At this point, Paris is in his plans.

“I told myself before the season, when I committed to being part of the Olympic team, obviously it was all predicated on my health,” James said. “As it stands right now, I am healthy enough to be on the team and perform at a level that I know I can perform at.”

The Olympic question is a bit tricky.

The Lakers’ season could end in April, May or June. If it ends early, James will have tons of time to heal up and get ready for a U.S. training camp that starts in early July, then will have a number of exhibition games, followed by the Olympics that will end in mid-August. But if the Lakers make a deep postseason run, it might prompt James to say he’ll value time off and getting ready for the 2024-25 NBA season over jamming another five or six weeks of basketball into his summer schedule.

“It’s more miles put on these tires,” said James, a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist. “But if I’m committed — which I am — to Team USA, then I’m going to commit my mind, body and soul to being out there for Team USA, being out there representing our country with the utmost respect and go out there and play.”

He’s 132 points away from reaching 40,000 for his regular-season career, which means he’s likely somewhere around five games from hitting that milestone. There aren’t a lot of records left to chase; James is already the scoring king and his place in history was secured long, long ago. He’s long said he wants to play in an NBA that has one of his sons in it and USC freshman Bronny James would be eligible to enter the draft this spring.

“I have not mapped out how many seasons I have left,” James said. “I know it’s not that many.”

He hasn’t even figured out if he wants a retirement tour for a final season where he’ll be saying goodbye in every NBA city or if choosing to “Tim Duncan it” — meaning going out very quietly, like the San Antonio star who never wanted any attention — will be the plan.

“I’ve never been that great with accepting praise,” James said. “It’s a weird feeling for me.”

James could also be a free agent this summer if he chooses to go that route. He has a player option for more than $51 million for next season and most players wouldn’t pass up making that kind of money. But James’ net worth has been estimated to exceed $1 billion already, his off-court investments are varied, and it’s probably a safe bet that the size of the paycheck no longer is a top priority.

“I am a Laker, and I am happy, very happy, being a Laker the last six years and I hope it stays that way,” James said. “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is, or which uniform I’ll be in. Hopefully, it is with the Lakers. It’s a great organization, with so many greats with it. I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming. It’s coming for sure.”

“Can yall please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball,” wrote the NBA legend in a now-deleted X post

Bronny James and LeBron James attend the 2023 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California. PHOTO:

 

FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY

LeBron James is defending his eldest son’s work ethic!

On Monday, the NBA legend, 39, turned to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his frustrations regarding speculation about his son Bronny’s career in professional basketball, reports USA Today, the New York Post and TMZ.

The 19-year-old, currently a freshman at USC, was removed from ESPN’s 2024 NBA mock draft. Now, the college player has been projected to be picked in 2025.

“Can yall please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball,” the Lakers star wrote in the now deleted X post, reports USA Today. “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,” continued the four-time NBA champion. “These Mock Drafts doesn’t matter one bit! I promise you! Only the WORK MATTERS!! Let’s talk REAL BASKETBALL PEOPLE!”

LeBron James ‘Almost Brought to Tears’ by His Mom Gloria While Watching Son Bronny’s Basketball Game

Bronny James on October 19, 2023 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA.

BRIAN ROTHMULLER/ICON SPORTSWIRE VIA GETTY

ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony explained to Malika Andrews on NBA Today that he “loves Bronny James’ game still.”

“We have to remember that this kid missed four months with a heart issue, starting in July that really seemed to derail his season,” Givony said of Bronny’s July 2023 cardiac arrest during a workout at USC.

“He’s one of the best defenders in the freshman class,” said Givony. “If Bronny James comes back for his sophomore season, we’re going to see a completely different guy. We’re going to see someone that really could be a lottery pick still.”

LeBron James Celebrates Son Bronny’s Birthday.

LEBRON JAMES/INSTAGRAM

Following Bronny’s health scare, he was later diagnosed with “an anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect.” He underwent surgery to correct the issue and missed the first eight games of the current college basketball season.

Since then, Bronny has averaged 5.5 points on 37.1% shooting, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 19 games this season. He’s also averaging 20.2 minutes per game, reports USA Today.

LeBron James Is ‘Super Excited’ for Son Bronny’s USC Basketball Debut After Cardiac Arrest

At the time of Bronny’s December debut, LeBron told reporters that his son’s first NCAA game “was everything for [the James] family.”

“It was just an emotional, draining day, from the time we all woke up to the time that the buzzer hit zeros,” said LeBron. “I think the most important thing, who cares about the win or loss, the kid was standing tall and standing strong at the end of the game, and that is a blessing in its own right, and that is a win.”

In addition to Bronny, LeBron shares Bryce Maximus, 16, and Zhuri Nova, 9, with his wife, Savannah James.

Every regular-season game LeBron James has played in the past 13 months has brought a new benchmark.

 

Each point he has scored since breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA all-time career points record on Feb. 7, 2023 is a career point never before reached.

Now, he is on the verge of 40,000 career points – just 40 shy of the mark after he went off for 34 in Wednesday’s comeback victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.

This eye-popping number spurs two questions: How many points will James finish his career with? Is another player capable of reaching 40,000 points?

When asked at All-Star weekend how many seasons he had left, James, 39, didn’t have a definitive answer, but said, “I know it’s not that many.”

He’s on pace this season to play 71 games (which would be the most he has played since 2017-18), score about 1,800 points and head into 2024-25 with about 40,500 career points. Playing 60 games a season for the next two seasons and scoring 23 points per game, James would surpass 43,000 points.

Let’s take a look at other players who have a chance to pass Abdul-Jabbar for No. 2 on the all-time scoring list and players who could top 30,000 career points and make a run at 40,000:

Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

Headed into Thursday’s game against Houston, Durant has 28,318 points and will probably hit 30,000 next season. He is one of the game’s most talented scorers and remains so at 35 years old, averaging 28 points on 53% shooting from the field this season. Five years ago Durant was scoring around 1,800 points a season. It seemed likely he would pass Abdul-Jabbar’s 38,387 points and even make a run at James. But the Achilles injury he sustained in the 2019 Finals forced him to miss all of 2019-20. He played in just 35 games in 2020-21, 55 in 2021-22 and 47 games last season. Injuries have prevented Durant, who is approaching No. 8 on the all-time points list, from scoring a lot more.

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Earlier this season, Doncic became the sixth-youngest and seventh-fastest player to score 10,000 career points. Just 25 years old and in his sixth season, he has 10,855 career points after Wednesday’s game against Toronto. He is averaging a career-high and league-best 34.4 points and is shooting career-highs on 3s and from the free throw line. There’s no doubt Doncic is a scoring phenom (he’s also a wonderful passer) and has a career average of 28.5 points. How long can he keep scoring at least 30 a game and will his heavy workload eventually wear on him? He hasn’t played more than 72 games in a season and that was his rookie year. As prolific a scorer as Doncic is, consider the task in front of him just to get to 38,000 points: Playing in 66 games each season while scoring 30 points a game for the next 13 seasons still doesn’t get Doncic to 38,000. With more games played per season and a 20-year career, he has an outside chance of flirting with 40,000.

Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Wembanyama, the sensation rookie from France, averages 20.6 points and is off to a great start. His scoring average should increase season-by-season, but just like the Doncic example, it requires longevity and greatness for two decades. Averaging 28 points while playing 70 games a season for 20 years equals 39,200 points. In that equation, it makes 40,000 points seem almost impossible. And don’t forget, James entered the league at 18 when the age-eligibility rule was different. It’s 19 now with no indication it’s going to change soon.

James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

Durant and James are the only two active players in the top 20 in all-time points. Harden is No. 22 with 25,600 points after Wednesday’s game against the Lakers. Another prolific scorer, Harden, 34, has a strong chance at 30,000 points, which would make him the ninth player to hit that mark, assuming Durant also gets there. Harden is averaging 17.3 points this season, his lowest since his third year in the league in 2011-12. His days of 25-plus are over but 30,000 makes him a top-10 all-time scorer. But getting to 33,000 and ahead of Michael Jordan’s 32,292, which is No. 5 all-time, illustrates just how difficult it is.

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors

Like Durant, Curry, 35, is still getting it done at this stage of his career, averaging 27.5 points this season. And also like Durant, Curry had injuries. He played just five games in 2019-20. And for all Curry’s scoring, he’s No. 31 on the all-time list with 23,198 points. If he plays another four seasons and averages 25 points a game in 70 games a season, he will hit 30,000.

After more than two decades in the NBA, LeBron James had a career first Thursday morning when he forced Stephen A. Smith to issue a public apology.

 

Earlier this week on ESPN’s First Take, Smith predicted the Los Angeles Clippers would “bust” the Los Angeles Lakers’ “a**” Wednesday night. And for three quarters, Smith was right. But in the fourth quarter, LeBron put the Lakers on his back and erased a 21-point deficit to beat the Clippers, garnering an apology from Stephen A. Smith.

Earlier this week, Stephen A. Smith told Shannon Sharpe the Clippers were going to bust the Lakers’ ass. The Lakers proceeded to overcome a 21-point deficit to beat the Clippers on Wednesday night.

Molly: “Do you owe LeBron an apology?”

SAS: “WHAT?… Yeah, I do.” pic.twitter.com/txdz1JLsQW

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 29, 2024

“I don’t do this often,” Smith said Thursday morning on First Take. “I really, really don’t. But I owe LeBron James an apology. I just do.”

“To watch him drilling those threes, to know he’s in his 21st season, he’s 39 years of age,” Smith boasted of LeBron’s comeback win. “You know I’m MJ all day every day, but to see this brother do what he did last night…when it counted most he was absolutely spectacular.”

Well, now LeBron can finally sleep at night. The Lakers star has two Olympic gold medals, four NBA championships, 21 All-Star appearances, the all-time scoring record and he’s on the cusp of surpassing 40,000 career points. But all of it must pale in comparison to getting an apology from Stephen A. Smith.

As Smith noted, he doesn’t do this often. Surely, Smith will claim that’s because he doesn’t make claims or say things deserving of an apology. Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans might disagree.