Month: May 2022

If you were paying attention to the Los Angeles Lakers this season, then you would know just how bad they were despite the expectations. Everyone thought this team was going to do big things but in the end, they were not very good. Russell Westbrook was a disaster and Anthony Davis was always injured. As a result, LeBron James had to carry the entire team on his back. He played tremendously well this season, however, it just was not enough to overcome the disjointed roster.

Despite his solid play, there are still some pundits out there who believe he wasn’t doing enough. The likes of Skip Bayless believe this is the worst thing that could have happened to LeBron, and it’s clear that a lot of the critiques are getting out of hand. While speaking to TMZ Sports, Kent Bazemore of the Lakers was quick to defend LeBron, noting that he did everything he could to salvage the year.

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“The dude was third in the league in scoring,” Bazemore said. “What else do you want him to do? He put his body through a lot this year to be there for us. He’s chasing Kareem. He’s done a lot for the game… He’s changing the world.”

The Lakers rely on LeBron and with the superstar turning 38 years old this year, it will be interesting to see how his body holds up. Either way, there is no denying the Lakers will need to make some massive changes if they want to be any good next year.

Tory Lanez was stopped by TSA at an airport in Las Vegas on Sunday after a “large” amount of marijuana was found in one of his bags, law enforcement sources tell TMZ. While he was detained at the airport, TSA eventually let him proceed after confiscating the federally illegal drug.

While there is reportedly still an ongoing investigation that could result in a citation, it is unlikely Lanez faces any further legal ramifications. Marijuana is currently legal in Nevada; however, since Lanez was attempting to fly with it on him, that would fall under federal jurisdiction, where it is yet to be legalized.

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Having missed his flight out of town, Lanez has signed on to perform at the nightclub, Drai’s, on Sunday night.

Lanez has yet to comment publically on the incident.

A drug offense would be yet another legal burden for Lanez, who has already been hit with two felony charges, one for assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and another for carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in his vehicle, relating to the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.

Lanez was recently remanded to police custody in court after violating the discovery protective order and personal contact order in the case regarding Megan Thee Stallion. A judge explained at the time that some of his social media posts “seem to be clear messages” to Megan.

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Vanessa Bryant narrated a new tribute video for her late daughter Gianna in celebration of what would’ve been her 16th birthday on Sunday. The video, edited in the style of Kobe Bryant’s Oscar-winning animated film, Dear Basketball, was shared by Nike on its social media pages.

“From the first time you imagined winning a WNBA Championship, I knew one thing was real. You were special,” Vanessa says in the video. “You came from greatness, but it was never about what you inherited. It was about what you gave to others. When someone stands up for gender equality, I see you fighting alongside of them.”

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Nike is also releasing a unique pair of “Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita Sweet 16” shoes in honor of her birthday. The shoe features a black snakeskin pattern. The company says that proceeds from the shoes will go towards the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. The organization is a nonprofit aimed at supporting underserved athletes.

“The ‘Mambacita Sweet 16’ is inspired by her resilient spirit and the love she had, not only for the game, but for her family, friends and community,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram. “Part of her legacy is about building a better future for all girls and women in sport, one step at a time.”

Gianna was killed on January 26, 2020, along with her father, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and several others during a helicopter crash. 

Gianna’s older sister, Natalia, also posted her own tribute on Instagram.

“Happy sweet sixteen my dearest gigi,” she wrote. “I love you to the moon and back forever & always.”

Vanessa commented: “The BEST. Love you babies! Love you to the [moon emoji] and back, infinity plus 1.”

Check out the Bryant family’s tributes for Gianna below.

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