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Michael Jordan’s 13-year tenure as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets has officially come to an end. The team announced on Thursday that the sale of a majority stake in the franchise to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall is complete.

 

 

The team was sold at a valuation of approximately $3 billion, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The vote on the sale was 29-1, with New York Knicks owner James Dolan the lone dissenting voice.

 

From the press release:

“The opportunity to be the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets in my home state of North Carolina for the last 13 years has been a tremendous honor,” said Jordan. “I’m proud of all that the organization accomplished: the exciting on-court moments, the return of the Hornets name, Charlotte hosting the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and HSE becoming a true pillar of this community. Through the years, the unwavering commitment, passion and loyalty of our Hornets fans has been incredible. As I transition into a minority ownership role, I’m thrilled to be able to pass the reins to two successful, innovative and strategic leaders in Gabe and Rick. I know the Hornets organization is in great hands moving forward. I’m excited about the future of the team and will continue to support the organization and the community in my new role in the years ahead.”

 

 

Plotkin and Schnall said the following:

“We want to thank Michael for this opportunity, as well as his support throughout this process. During his ownership, he brought stability to the Hornets franchise, achieved many business milestones, reconnected and reinvested in the Charlotte community and has the organization positioned for greater success. We look forward to building upon this success in the years to come.” Jordan purchased the franchise in 2010, back when it was still known as the Charlotte Bobcats, for a price of $275 million. He had been the league’s lone Black majority owner, and the best former player to ever own a team. Jordan will maintain a minority ownership stake after the completion of the sale.

Schnall was previously a minority owner of the Atlanta Hawks, while Plotkin has been a minority owner of the Hornets since 2019. Those two will become the team’s new governors, while the group also includes Charlotte-based recording artists J. Cole and Eric Church.

 

Jordan’s reign was overall disappointing. In 13 seasons under his leadership, the team went 423-600, made just three playoff appearances and did not win a single series. During the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, the then-Bobcats went 7-59, which is the worst record in NBA history — both in terms of fewest wins and lowest winning percentage. One of the few memorable accomplishments during the Jordan era was reclaiming the Hornets’ name and original franchise records and history.

 

Last season, the Hornets went 27-55, which was the fourth-worst record in the league. They won the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and used it to select Brandon Miller out of Alabama. That was a slightly controversial choice with Scoot Henderson still on the board, but regardless the Hornets will go into the future with an interesting young duo in Miller and LaMelo Ball.

Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball icon, takes exclusivity to a whole new level with his highly private and exclusively owned personal golf course. In this close-up exploration, we delve into the opulence and grandeur of Jordan’s golfing haven, valued at a staggering $143 million.

Tucked away from the public eye, Michael Jordan’s personal golf course stands as a testament to his passion for the sport and his penchant for luxury. This golfer’s paradise, meticulously crafted to cater to Jordan’s discerning tastes, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a sports legend who appreciates the finer things in life.

The close-up reveals the exquisite design and impeccable landscaping that define Jordan’s golfing retreat. Every blade of grass seems to have been manicured with precision, creating a lush green canvas against the backdrop of expansive fairways and strategically placed water features. The attention to detail is a hallmark of the legendary athlete’s commitment to perfection.

 

Beyond the fairways, Michael Jordan’s golf course boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to cater to his every golfing need. Lavish clubhouses, private lounges, and exclusive amenities contribute to the overall aura of luxury that permeates the entire estate. It’s a playground for the elite, reflecting Jordan’s status as a sports and lifestyle icon.

As we zoom in, the close-up provides a glimpse of the signature holes that define the character of Jordan’s golf course. Each hole tells a story, with unique challenges and breathtaking views that add a layer of excitement to the golfing experience. It’s a meticulously curated journey for the golf enthusiast within Jordan.

While the golf course itself is a masterpiece, the close-up also sheds light on the exclusive membership and guest privileges that come with being part of Michael Jordan’s inner circle. A round of golf on these hallowed grounds is not just a game; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in the lifestyle of a sporting legend.

While most of us can only dream of such a vacation, Cookie Johnson and Magic Johnson are having it. The Johnsons gathered some of their closest couple friends, including LL Cool J and his wife Simone Smith, on board the 281-foot yacht Aquila. This opulent “grown folks vacation” that reportedly cost a million dollars a week was justified by the chance to celebrate Magic Johnson’s sixty-first birthday.

Cookie Johnson, who has been married to the renowned basketball star for the last 28 years, shared a heartfelt statement in memory of him along with a picture from when he was younger. “You’ve come a long way, baby,” she writes. “I thank God for giving you sixty incredible years in which you have accomplished a great deal, had the capacity to do even more, and have helped a great deal of people along the way. As long as you continue to do what God says, more is in store for you. I love you so much and feel very honored to have known you for 42 years. Greetings on your birthday, my darling!

Cookie and Magic appeared ecstatic and in love while floating on the yacht’s deck, which was adorned with vibrant birthday decorations. Andre, the eldest son of Magic, and the couple’s offspring, Earvin Jr. (also known as EJ) and Elisa, were present to celebrate with their father.

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Out of all the presents and privileges he receives on this special day, Magic claims that his family’s presence is the greatest gift. “My only wish was to celebrate my 60th birthday with my family.” “I’m so happy my sons Andre and EJ, daughter Elisa, daughter-in-law Lisa, and my lovely wife Cookie are all with me today,” he said as the caption for their family group photo on Instagram.

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Magic explicitly expressed gratitude to his wife for making his special day. “My queen Cookie deserves an enormous thank you for organizing everything,” he writes. “I have cherished and been in love with you for more than four decades!” Undoubtedly, the birthday dinner for Magic was nothing but splendid. The apex of his three-tiered, white birthday cake was a vintage photograph of himself playing basketball.

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Greetings on your birthday, Magic Johnson! View additional photographs from Magic’s birthday celebration and The Johnsons’ grown-up vacation with LL Cool J, his spouse Simone Smith, Holly Robinson Peete, and Rodney Peete, as well as Kevin Liles and his wife Erika Liles, by perusing the gallery.

Kylie Kelce, the wife of Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, has spoken out about the relationship between her brother-in-law Travis Kelce and pop star Taylor Swift.

 

In an interview with E! News, Kylie said that she is “in awe” of the couple’s romance.

“They are so cute together,” she said. “They are so happy together.”

Kylie also said that she is impressed by the way Swift has handled the attention that comes with dating a professional athlete.

“She’s so down-to-earth,” Kylie said. “She’s so kind and genuine.”

Kylie’s comments come after months of speculation about Swift and Kelce’s relationship.

The couple were first spotted together at a Kansas City Chiefs game in September 2023.

They have since been seen together on several occasions, including at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

Neither Swift nor Kelce have confirmed their relationship, but they have not denied it either.

The couple’s relationship has been met with mixed reactions from fans.

Some fans are happy for the couple, while others are skeptical about the relationship.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Swift and Kelce.

In the meantime, Kylie Kelce is just happy to see her brother-in-law happy.

“I’m just so happy for Travis,” she said. “He’s found someone who makes him happy.”

 

After scoring 31 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 134-131 overtime win over the Washington Wizard at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, LeBron James is nine points away from reaching 40,000 points.

James, who has the longest double-digit scoring streak in NBA history, will almost certainly pass the 40,000-point threshold on Saturday when the Lakers host the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

Following the win over the Wizards, James was asked if passing the 40,000-point mark means anything to such a decorated player who is already the league’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time champion, a four-time Finals MVP and a four-time MVP.

“I mean, I can’t sit here and say no because, of course,” James said. “No one has ever done it. And for me to be in this position at this point and time in my career, I think it’s pretty cool. Does it sit at the top of the things I’ve done in my career? No. But does it mean something? Of course. Absolutely. Why wouldn’t it?

“To be able to accomplish things in this league, with the greatest players to ever play in this league, the NBA, this has been a dream of mine and to hit feats and have milestones throughout my career, they all mean something to me. Absolutely. Obviously, there’s a pecking order of which ones are higher than others, but absolutely. I would be lying to you if I said it doesn’t mean anything. Because it absolutely does.”

James broke the NBA’s all-time scoring record on Feb. 7, 2023, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 career points) with Abdul-Jabbar in attendance. James said he hasn’t thought about adding to the margin and how high his point total could ultimately reach since the record.

“No,” James said. “No. I never thought about getting the scoring record. It just happened organically. I played the game the right way and went out and played the game and let the game come to me and the scoring record happened organically for me. It was never a goal of mine when I came into the league, like I wanted to be the all-time leading scorer. But I’m still playing. And I can still score the ball so it’s going to go up until I’m done playing.”

James scored the ball a lot over the past two games — 34 points vs. the Clippers and 31 points vs. the Wizards — but his late defense also played a pivotal role in the second straight victory.

Midway through the overtime period, Wizards guard Jordan Poole streaked out in transition after a James turnover and appeared to have an uncontested layup that would’ve put the Wizards up by five points over the Lakers.

But James, tracking Poole from behind, timed his contest perfectly and swatted it against the backboard with his left hand.

“Well, I mean, I was taught at a young age when you turn the ball over you need to sprint back. And me and AD had a miscommunication on that read and I threw the pocket pass before he opened up to see the ball. And once I saw Tyus Jones kind of throw it, I tried to see if I could get back and tried to make a play. Obviously it was a big play in the game and I was happy I was able to chase it down.”

Kyle Kuzma corralled the offensive rebound and missed a pull-up 3-pointer. On the next possession, James, isolating against Kyle Kuzma, drilled a step-back 3-pointer to tie the game. The five-point swing changed the momentum and sealed the game in LA’s favor. The Wizards wouldn’t score again as the Lakers pulled away over the final 2:30.

LaMelo Ball, an NBA player, is well-known for his love of bling, and his incredible automobile collection reflects his opulent way of living.

When the Charlotte Hornets player arrived at his 16th birthday party in a Lamborghini, it created a commotion.

LaMelo Ball has an epic car collection

The Charlotte Hornets guard often tailors his outfit to match his cars

LaMelo’s fleet of $1.2 million vehicles is enough for celebration.

Since then, Ball has used his $35 million career earnings to date to amass an astounding $1.2 million fleet of automobiles.

View the lavish garage of the NBA prodigy, which features a black-out Rolls-Royce, a gold Ferrari, and a custom-camouflaged Hummer.

GMC Hummer EV Edition 1

Ball’s Hummer, which was designed to match his signature sneaker, the “Puma LaMelo Ball MB.01,” is his most bizarre vehicle.

Dreamworks Motorsports, a Roxboro, North Carolina-based auto customizing company, created and modified the Hummer.

Ball has a customized camouflage Hummer

The interior of the car is a bright orange color.

Orange topographical lines and a custom 3M desert camo wrap adorn the vehicle.

The car’s side is adorned with several of Ball’s trademarks, including “Rare,” “LaFrancé,” “1 of 1,” and “Not From Here.”

In addition to the unique wheels, the automobile has extra lights inside and beneath the wheels.

The interior of the doors also features replicas of many of Ball’s numerous tattoos.

A PA system and a siren box are additional features.

Ferrari SF90

In January 2023, Ball left fans in disbelief with his maneuvers in his custom gold Ferrari SF90.

The 22-year-old was filmed pulling off into the road in his stunning supercar, which costs around $500,000.

LaMelo was observed traveling in a gold Ferrari.

In the video, it appeared that a different driver was slowing down to give him room.

Furthermore, LaMelo seemed to raise his hand in gratitude to the other car for yielding.

After that, he left in his Ferrari, passing the other car fairly closely.

On social media, a fan also posted the comment, “Completely cuts off white car.”

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Ball clearly has a thing for Ferraris, with also a glossy red F8 Tributo Coupe in his collection.

The NBA star wore a black and red outfit to match the colors of the car after driving the Ferrari to a Hornets game

Ball has a number of Ferraris in his collection

The F8 Tributo has a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 unit, producing 710 hpr.

It can go from 0-62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph.

The car is on the market for around $280,000.

Lamborghini Gallardo

A superstar since he was a young teenager, Ball rocked up to his 16th birthday party in a $185,000 Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Gallardo was a gift to LaMelo from his dad LaVar.

LaMelo was given a Lamborghini for his 16th birthday

His father LaVar gave him the $185,000 vehicle as a gift.

The Gallardo’s 5.2L V10 engine allows it to sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about three seconds.

Additionally, its maximum speed is 202 mph.

“Young Melo sporting the Lambo,” tweeted Kevin Durant, a fellow NBA player.

“Stop playin wit shorty, he really out here.”

Lamborghini Urus

Ball has a neon yellow Lamborghini Urus, which sells for a cool $225,000.

It is a supercar with an SUV shell.

Ball has a neon yellow Lamborghini Urus

LaMelo’s initials, “MB,” are embroidered on the headrests.

The 4.0-liter V-8 engine of the Urus produces 657 horsepower, and it can stop at 190 mph.

It takes slightly over three seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Ball has fitted 24 inch wheels with unique red calipers that read “Rare” to his customized Urus.

The headrests are imprinted with LaMelo’s initials, “MB,” and the interior is a blend of neon yellow, black, and red.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan

Ball has a blacked-out Cullinan, which is the only SUV in the luxury car manufacturer’s lineup.

Introduced in 2018, it has a powerful 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbo engine under the hood, which produces 563 horsepower.

Ball’s customized Rolls-Royce Cullinan

The car has been completely blacked-out with some red decoration

It goes from 0 to mph in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

The Cullinan has a starting price of $325,000.

American football tight end Travis Kelce is prioritizing his girlfriend, Taylor Swift’s, work and will only attend a few of her upcoming UK tour dates so as not to “disturb” her.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs star, 33, told** he will be there to support Swift, 33, “when it makes sense” but won’t be at every show on her “Eras Tour.”

“I’ll be there when it fits into my schedule,” Kelce said. “I’m not going to like, fk up her tour and be there every night.”**

He added: “I’ll be there a couple of times. I’ll be there when it makes sense.”

The NFL star also said that he doesn’t want to be a “distraction” to Swift while she’s on tour.

“I don’t want to be that guy that’s like, ‘Hey babe, I’m here!’ and then I’m like, ‘What’s up?’ and then I’m standing there with my dk in my hand,”** he said. “I’m not trying to be that guy.”

Kelce and Swift have been dating since late 2022. They were first spotted together at a Los Angeles Rams game in October of that year.

The couple has been relatively private about their relationship, but they have been seen together on a few occasions. In February, they were spotted attending the Super Bowl together.

Swift is currently in the midst of her “Eras Tour,” which kicked off in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17. The tour is in support of her latest album, “Midnights.”

The tour is set to make stops in the United Kingdom and Europe in June and July.

The Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic has listed his West Linn, Oregon, estate for $4,595,000. In 2019, he paid $3,100,000 for the house.

The home sits on a 2.05-acre gated site with 10,042 square feet of living area. Di Barker, an interior designer, built the home for her family in 2010. In order to give the impression of a sanctuary, she designed the house according to feng shui principles.

The property has a road surrounded with trees that looks like it belongs in a fairytale, a la Hamptons.

The stunning living room greets you as soon as you approach the home. It features a vaulted ceiling, a fireplace, and ceiling-to-floor windows. The massive chef’s kitchen and dining area are both open to the living area. Expect top-notch equipment, lots of storage, and a roomy center island that’s perfect for hosting guests. A fireplace adds coziness and warmth to the space.

The main living space has a lovely sitting area and fireplace and is situated on the ground floor. The en suite bathroom features a modern Jacuzzi and a glass-enclosed shower facing a bay window.

There are four more bedroom accommodations, each with a spa bathroom and a high ceiling, on the second level.

The home includes separate guest quarters with a bedroom, bathroom, complete kitchen and both interior and exterior entrances.

The wellness area on the lower level is one of the highlights of the residence. It is accessible via a staircase concealed behind a bookcase and features a gym and a bathroom with a thermal shower.

There is a pool and spa in the backyard, as well as an outdoor kitchen, covered veranda with a fireplace, and sitting area with a fire pit.

The residence features several upscale amenities, including a central vacuum, central air conditioning and heating, an integrated sound system and a butler’s pantry.

Since 2017, the 28-year-old Nurkic has played for the Blazers. In 2014, the Bosnian big man made his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets. Nurkic might be moving up to a bigger house in the neighborhood after agreeing to a four-year, $70 million contract deal with the Blazers in 2022.

Jayson Tatum, the star forward of the Boston Celtics, proudly showcases his latest acquisition, the Jordan Tatum 2 ‘Vortex’ sneakers, as he stands alongside his young son, Deuce.

With matching grins adorning their faces, they exude an aura of father-son camaraderie.

The sleek design of the sneakers, with its bold colors and intricate details, perfectly complements the duo’s undeniable style.

As they pose for the camera, it’s evident that these moments of shared enthusiasm over footwear aren’t just about fashion; they represent the bond between a father and his son, woven together through a love for the game and the culture that surrounds it.

 

LeBron James is inarguably one of the greatest players in basketball history and whenever his career is over, he will get honored like no other.

But inspired by a recent question posed by our friends at USA TODAY Sports, we recently wondered how many statues James will have around the league when it is all said and done.

James has won championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. He won NBA Finals MVP while playing for each team as well. Is that enough, however, for each organization to eventually put up a statue to tribute his accomplishments?

Should LeBron James have a statue in Cleveland, Miami and LA? pic.twitter.com/PE17FJJ4VR

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) March 2, 2024

James will definitely have a statue in Cleveland, the city where is from and where he brought the first and only NBA championship in 2016. It was the only professional title the city had won since 1964.

But will James also get immortalized in Miami and Los Angeles? That is a much harder question to answer.

Miami is the only city where James won multiple championships. But he also did not play for the team for very long, spending just four of his seasons with the Heat.

No one in franchise history has a statue for the Heat, though Dwyane Wade will soon become the first. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes that James did enough to warrant a statue in Miami.

We can expect Wade will have the solo honor of immortalization in South Beach for a bit before the team considers the same treatment for his former teammate.

Perhaps a tougher task for James is earning a statue in Los Angeles.

There are currently six former players (Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, and Kobe Bryant) who have statues for the Lakers.

James didn’t spend nearly as much time with the team as any of the players listed above, but he did break the NBA’s all-time scoring record previously held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar while wearing a Lakers jersey.

Should he win another title with Los Angeles, perhaps the possibility will become more realistic. Otherwise, though, it seems most likely that James has just one statue outside an NBA arena once his career is over.