nba news Archives - Page 18 of 81

Kobe Bryant’s Former Friend Has Beef With The Late Superstar

April 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kobe Bryant is revered by NBA fans. After his tragic death, the outpouring of love from his peers and fans was felt around the NBA world. From his teammates to opponents to opposing fans, everyone recognized him as an important part of the NBA that would be missed. Now, his former friend is dissing him. Kevin Sanchez, who was good friends with Kobe, has spoken out against Bryant. Sanchez does not share the warm feelings or good memories everyone has of Kobe. Furthermore, Sanchez has nothing but beef for his former friend.

Kevin Sanchez and Kobe Bryant used to rap together in Philadelphia. Additionally, Sanchez was a big reason Kobe dropped a rap album back in the day. Sanchez went to prison and has now spoken about his experiences recently. He sat down for the “Blood on the Wire” podcast and spoke about his prison bid. Additionally, Sanchez also revealed the source of his animosity towards Kobe Bryant. Sanchez claims that Kobe never helped him financially after he was released from prison. He apparently thought his longtime friend would be there for him after everything they had been through. Furthermore, Sanchez says he felt abandoned by the late superstar.

Kobe Bryant’s Former Friend Kevin Sanchez Calls Him A “Piece of Sh**”

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Sanchez spoke on the show about his experience with Kobe after returning from prison. Additionally, he explained how he waited for Kobe when the Lakers had a road trip to Philadelphia. He said, “This is when I really found out he was a piece of s***,” Sanchez said. “This right here is what made me be like ‘you know what, f*** him.’ I waited in the rain, it was freezing outside….waited out there the whole time freezing. I saw the little tour bus that [the LA Lakers] was in. I see Shannon Brown and a bunch of the players.” He waited for Kobe to Get off the team bus. When Bryant did, Sanchez claimed that after he had called him, they had a conversation.

Sanchez asked for help getting stable after just bein released from prison with help getting employment. Sanchez says he received a phone number from Kobe, and they left it there. He didn’t get Kobe on the other line when Sanchez called the number, but an assistant. Ultimately, Kobe never helped Sanchez. Sanchez also alleges that many members of Kobe Bryant’s family feel similar towards him. Overall, Kobe Bryant died over four years ago. Ultimately, it is an unfortunate situation, and it’s a shame that stories like these from people in his past are coming out.

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LeBron James Trolls Woman Courtside After She Calls Him A CryBaby

April 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost a hard-fought game 5 to the Denver Nuggets. This loss marks the end of the Lakers’ playoff journey, with the Nuggets advancing to the second round to face the Timberwolves. Despite the outcome, LeBron’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. The 39-year-old superstar nearly achieved a triple-double in the elimination game, scoring 30 points, securing 11 rebounds, and distributing 9 assists. The game was physical, with the referee’s decisions not always favoring the King, which led to a memorable moment with an opposing fan.

After a foul was called on LeBron, who was boxing out Nikola Jokic, Lebron couldn’t believe the call. Players complaining about getting called for fouls or not getting calls is a regular thing at NBA games. LeBron, being LeBron, is going to let the referees know they got it wrong. After 20 seasons, the stature he has gives him some leeway in how he criticizes the refs. Fans calling out and barking at opposing players comes with the territory, but that doesn’t mean players won’t bark back. Lebron decided to bark back and had a hilarious interaction with a woman on the Denver sideline last night.

LeBron James Mocks Woman After She Calls Him A CryBaby

After the foul call, LeBron James storms down the court, decrying the refs. “They (refs) are f” cking horrible,” James says as he makes his way down the court. A fan gets Lebron’s attention when she says, “You’re a f*cking crybaby,” making a crying gesture with her hands. As LeBron walks closer to her, he play-jumps at her and scares her. She was not expecting that, and LeBron thought it was hilarious that she jumped. LeBron returned to the action, mocking how the woman jumped and screamed, calling her “Scary A**.”

The moment was one of many entertaining sequences in what was a great game of basketball. Denver’s fans brought the energy, and their team needed it. Jamal Murray hit another dagger shot to win the game, sending the Nuggets to the second round. For the Lakers, a lot of questions remain. Is Lebron going to be a Laker next year? What about D-Lo’s contract? Their future is up in the air. It is pretty easy to imagine them beating any other team in the first round. The Nuggets are just the Lakers and LeBron’s kryptonite.

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Stephen A Smith Says Devin Booker Wants To Play In New York

April 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Phoenix Suns just got swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite being led by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, the Suns never looked like they had a chance in the series. Anthony Edwards called his shot and talked his stuff in every game, ultimately sending the Suns to an early vacation. Nevertheless, The Suns have to figure out where to go from here. They have an aging Kevin Durant who is not going to be able to carry a team as he has been for much longer. Additionally, they have to figure out what to do with Bradley Beal, who will be making over $50 million next year. Now, there are question marks over Devin Booker’s future, thanks to Stephen A. Smith.

The biggest and simplest way to change things up and shift a narrative is trading. The Suns could look to trade one or a couple of their stars. The most obvious solution is trading Bradley Beals’s massive contract for some flexibility in cap room and some much-needed roster depth. Interestingly, this morning on First Take, Stephen A. Smith hinted at Devin Booker wanting to move on from Phoenix. Stephen A. Smith indicates he may want to move to the Big Apple.

Stephen A. Smith Indicates Devin Booker Wants To Be A Knick

Stephen A. Smith says that Devin Booker wants to be in New York and play for the Knicks.

(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/DqkvaC0agY

— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) April 29, 2024

Stephen A. Smith claims Devin Booker has indicated he wants to play in New York. “From what I’m being told, I don’t know if it’ll ever happen, Devin Booker wants to be in New York,” Smith claimed. Additionally, he said, “That’s what I’m being told. That’s what I’m being told. Now, he might deny it. I haven’t spoken to him. I’m just telling you, the scuttlebutt in the NBA circles is that brother wanna be in New York. So, if you’re Phoenix, you got at least two people, probably three, who are all getting paid about $150 million combined, don’t wanna be there.”

An embarrassing playoff exit means fans and pundits are firing up their NBA trade machines and seeing what moves make sense. Booker may want to allegedly play for New York but at this point its just conjecture. Nevertheless, in his post-loss presser, Booker seemed like he was all about the Suns, wanting to take another shot next year. Ultimately, things can change very fast in an NBA off-season. Overall, Stephen A. Smith might be right. D-Book to New York might be something to look out for.

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Anthony Edwards Excited To Play With Him On Team USA Kevin Durant After Sweeping Him

April 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Anthony Edwards is taking the NBA playoffs by storm. The Timberwolves and Edwards, who has been talking trash all series, just swept the Phoenix Suns. Ant has been calling his shot all series long and was letting Kevin Durant know his time was u every chance he could. Edwards exploded for 40 points last night to put the final nail in the Sun’s coffin. He scored 31 points in the second half, which killed any hope the Suns had. Despite 33 points from KD and 49 from Devin Booker, it wasn’t enough to beat Ant-Man and the Wolves.

KD and Anthony Edwards had been going at it all series. It was two hoopers talking trash while playing at the highest level. Kevin Durant seemed to really enjoy the young star barking. There was a level of respect KD showed Ant, and that carried through to the end of the game, where the two embraced and shared words. In his postgame interview with TNT, Edwards was asked what it meant to beat KD. Ant gave much respect to Durant before saying he can’t wait to trash-talk him this summer when they meet up to play on Team USA.

Anthony Edwards Excited To Hoop With Kevin Durant This Summer

It’s a significant moment for a player who could potentially shape the future of the league. Anthony Edwards has openly declared that his favorite player of all time is Kevin Durant. It must be a surreal experience to compete against your idol and come out on top. Ant is eagerly looking forward to representing Team USA in the summer, where he, KD, and many other stars will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. All in all, Anthony Edwards is making a name for himself. His performance in the first round was reminiscent of Jordan, both in skill and attitude.

Anthony Edwards joins a stacked Team USA for the Paris Olympics, which includes LeBron James, Steph Curry, and his favorite player ever, Kevin Durant. The playoffs might oushsh Ant into earning a starting spot this summer. Team USA is always a good time for hoop fans and they have put together a ridiculous team to take the gold. We can’t wait til the training camp for the Olympics so we can see Anthony Edwards gloating about his win to KD.

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Paul George Trolls PJ Washington After Lighting Up The Mavs

April 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Clippers and the Mavericks seemingly always match up in the playoffs. The teams have faced off in the playoffs 3 out of the past 5 seasons. Playing against each other so much creates a level of familiarity between the teams. That familiarity can also create a touch of animosity. The playoffs are intense, and emotions run high. Additionally, the intensity and emotions are even more heightened when you have been going up against a certain team for so long. In game 3, Russell Westbrook and PJ Washington were ejected after an altercation after Westbrook’s hard foul on Luka Doncic. Washington starred down the Clippers bench, taunting them with his arms crossed. Paul George made sure to remember that for game 3.

Game 4 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers was a spectacle. The Clippers dominated the first quarter, outscoring the Mavs 39-16. The Mavericks, however, were not to be outdone, gradually closing the gap and turning it into a nail-biting contest in the fourth. This was playoff basketball at its finest. Leading the charge was Paul George, a man on a mission, who lit up the court with five 3-pointers in the first half. After his 5th 3 of the first half, Paul George hit PJ Washington with the same taunt he had given the Clippers bench.

Paul George Stares Down PJ Washington

Up close replay of Paul George hitting the PJ Washington pose after hitting the 3-pointer https://t.co/HKEJMfCxeu pic.twitter.com/LLf2KHDk3o

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 28, 2024

Paul George was on one in game 4. The Clippers dominated the first half, and George went off, hitting five threes. The tough guy act PJ Washington hit the Clippers bench with was obviously something they did not take lightly. Paul George decided to remind Washington while simultaneously lighting up the Mavs on the scoreboard. The series has been very entertaining, and it looks like it could go seven games.

The Mavs and the Clippers are now tied 2-2. Despite the absence of Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers were able to tie the series up. The status of their star is uncertain, but James Harden and Paul George have seriously stepped up. Luka Doncic has not been the same MVP he has been all season this series and will look to get his game back on track. Overall, Clippers Mavericks might be the best first-round series of the playoffs.

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Joel Embiid Called Out For Dirty Flagrant Foul In Game 3 Against The Knicks

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Knicks Sixers has been a very intense playoff series. The first two games were physical battles that saw the Knicks come out on top. Joel Embiid and the Sixers were furious over how game two was officiated. The referees missed obvious calls in the final two minutes, which the Sixers believe cost them the game. One official grievance later, Game 3 headed to Philidelphia. The 76ers clearly looked frustrated throughout the series, and last night, Joel Embiid let his frustrations get the better of him.

Embiid, the most vocal 76er after the controversial end to game 2, has clearly been rattled by the physicality of the series. This frustration, coupled with his ongoing recovery from a long-term injury, led to a shocking incident in Game 3. After once again not receiving a foul call, Embiid fell to the floor. In a moment of sheer aggression, he grabbed Knicks center Mitchell Robinson by the legs and violently pulled the 7-footer down. This was not just a foul; and it was a dangerous and malicious act that could have resulted in serious injury to Robinson.

Should Embiid Have Been Ejected After Dirty Foul?

Joel Embiid was given a Flagrant 1 for grabbing Mitchell Robinson’s legspic.twitter.com/cz1ww5mFYU

— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) April 26, 2024

Joel Embiid’s foul on Mitchel Robinson was not just a foul. The outburst was a dirty play that posed a serious risk. After the incident, the two teams had to be separated, and the referees had to review the play. To the surprise of many, the officials deemed it a flagrant 1 violation. However, the NBA chose not to eject a star player like Embiid despite the clear violation. This decision raises the question: should Embiid have been ejected for his actions? Many fans and pundits believe he should have been.

The MVP stayed in the game despite the dirty play and gave his best performance in his playoff career. The center is still injured and reportedly suffering from Bells Palsey, and he put up 50 points against the Knicks. Maybe Embiid has to play on that edge to erase some of his playoff failures. He is having his best series ever despite not being close to 100% healthy. Overall, Sixers Kinicks has been a rollercoaster ride, and we need it to go 7-games.

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Charles Barkley Calls Out “Fools” In The Media Following Lakers Game 3 Loss

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost 11 straight games to the Denver Nuggets. The LeBron James-led Lakers once again squandered a double-digit lead to the defending champions and lost 112 – 105. Despite Struggling all season and only achieving the 7th seed in the West, The Lakers were one of the most hyped teams in the media. Talking heads made it seem like the Lakers had a chance to win the title. One media personality who has been consistent in his criticism of the Lakers is the great Charles Barkley.

Charles Barkley took a victory lap last night as the Lakers are pretty much guaranteed to be eliminated from the playoffs. Barkley spent the entire year telling people the Lakers and the Warriors were not good. He has constantly asserted that the media overrated the two teams. The star power of LeBron and Steph Curry has plenty to do with the teams being overrated. Both teams are a draw for fans and make things easy to cover. Sir Charles was not having it and felt vindicated last night and put on quite the show as always.

Charles Barkley Excited By Lakers Loss

Charles Barkley was in rare form after the Laker’s loss. The camera closed in on him, and he hilariously proclaimed, “I just want to say to all you people who’ve been kissing up to the Lakers and the Warriors all year talking about ‘they gonna make a run.’ Know where they gonna run to? The Bahamas.” he then lamented the “fools” at other networks like ESPN who overrated the Lakers and Warriors. He said I told y’all all along. … I get tired of these fools on the other network. … I told y’all, the Lakers and the Warriors both stink.”

Like a lot of fans, Chuck has had it with the coverage of the Lakers and the Warriors. To many, it seemed like networks like ESPN were more concerned about the play-in race than the intense race for the No.1 seed in the West. Charles had to get his point across while he could because he won’t be able to gloat after game four since it’ll be on ABC. Inside the NBA is must-watch TV for basketball fans, and Charles Barkley is at his best when he is being a hater.

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Joel Embiid Drops 50 In Win Against Knicks Despite Suffering From Bells Palsy

April 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In thrilling fashion, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks last night 125 – 114. The series has been a physical battle, and the Sixers have been frustrated by the physicality. After game 2, Embiid and the Sixers were unhappy with the officiating after their heartbreaking loss. The team filed an official grievance with the league over missed calls, which they believe cost them the game. As the series headed to Philadelphia, tension was in the air. game 3 was another physical game, but the Sixers came out on top due to an incredible performance from Joel Embiid.

Embiid dropped 50 points on the Knicks in what is his best playoff performance to date. Embiid is still working his way back from the knee injury that put him on the sideline for months. It was an amazing performance and a signal to the league that this is a different Embiid this playoffs. Embiid is also apparently suffering from another thing that is affecting his health. The MVP center is reportedly suffering from Bell’s Palsy and is playing through it, making his performance even more impressive.

Joel Embiid Is Playing Through Bell’s Palsy

ESPN Sources: Sixers star Joel Embiid has been treated for a mild case of Bell’s palsy for the past week. The condition began during the play-in victory over Miami but he has wanted to keep it private to avoid distractions for his team.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2024

Reportedly, Joel Embiid has been treated this past week for a mild case of Bell’s Palsy. His plight with the condition began during the Sixer’s matchup with the Miami Heat in the Play-in tournament. The news is coming out now after the team, and Embiid sought to keep the matter private. Embiid did not want the diagnosis to cause a distraction. He has been seen wearing sunglasses post and pre-game as well as holding his head down due to bright lights. Bell’s Palsy causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of someone’s face. During recent games, you can see Embiid only blinking with one eye.

Joel Embiid’s performance was already impressive. He dropped 50 while clearly not 100% his dominant self. Now we know he is also suffering from a serious condition called Bell’s Palsy. The Sixers star was unstoppable last night, and credit to him for fighting through all of his adversity. The Knicks-Sixers series has been a rollercoaster of emotions. It is physical playoff basketball that needs to be appreciated. The drama is only going to get more dramatic. Game 4 can’t come soon enough.

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Nikola Jokic’s Brothers Alleged Punching Victim Has Been Identified

April 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets have taken a commanding lead over LeBron James and the Lakers. Game 2 was one of the best playoff games in recent memory, and it had a ridiculous ending. Jamal Murray, who struggled all game with his jump shot, nailed a buzzer-beater that broke the Lakers spirit. Additionally, minutes after the celebration in the Nuggets home arena, Jokic’s brother got involved in a battle of his own. A video was released of the 2-time MVP’s brother allegedly punching a fan. The video has prompted the league and law enforcement to investigate.

Authorities are making progress in their investigation into Nikola Jokic’s brother, Strahinja Jokic’s, alleged punching incident. The man who was alegedly struck in the face earlier this week by Strahinja Jokic appears to have been found. A spokesperson for the Denver Police has confirmed that the department has been in contact with the alleged victim. We still do not know if the alleged punching victim is pressing charges or not. The investigation is ongoing, and fans are curious how this will play out.

Nikola Jokic’s Brothers Alleged Victim Found By Denver Police

The older brothers of Jokic are well-known for their altercations with just about everyone. In the past, they have stood up to fans, rival athletes, and referees to defend their younger brother. Strahinja jumped over a row of seats to punch the fan. In the video Strahinja appears to have gotten close, pushing through a crowd, and allegedly delivered a punch. The fan and Jokic Brother continued to yell back and forth afterward. Notably, Nikola’s wife was right by Strahinja when it all went down, and she was holding Nikola Jokic’s young daughter through the violent incident.

Overall, it’s an unfortunate incident and an unnecessary distraction for the two-time MVP. There is a more than good chance that Jokic will be awarded his third MVP trophy in the coming weeks. The Denver Nuggets look unstoppable so far, and they are the favorites to win their second straight NBA title. The Nuggets face off against LeBron and the Los Angeles Lakers tonight in a pivotal game 3. The Nuggets have now won ten straight against the Lakers. Updates regarding Jokic’s brother’s ordeal will steadily come out as we learn more.

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Kevin Porter Jr. Is Playing In Greece Following Domestic Violence Charges

April 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kevin Porter Jr. has not been in the NBA since he was arrested and charged with assault and strangulation. Porter allegedly attacked and strangled WNBA player and then-girlfriend Kysre Gondrezick in September of 2023. Gondrezick was sent to the hospital after the incident, where she was treated for a laceration to her face and neck pain from strangulation. Porter Jr. does not currently have an NBA contract and is not on any roster in the league. The Houston Rockets traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in October of last year. Porter was immediately cut.

Porter Jr. will remain out of the league for the foreseeable future. The guard has recently been seen playing professionally in Europe. Porter has fallen a long way since signing an NBA deal worth $80 million dollars. Porter Jr. was always a player with a lot of personal baggage. There were red flags when he was in college at USC. His stint in Clevland showed promise, but he was too much of a problem in the locker room. Porter Jr. had previously been charged with illegal handling of a firearm in 2020. Now he is playing ball in Greece, and fans have some thought.

Kevin Porter Jr. Playing For $10K In Greece

After being exiled from the NBA for domestic violence, Kevin Porter Jr. is now playing in Greece. Many fans are clowing the disgraced guard for losing his massive contract. Porter is apparently playing for $10k in Greece. It’s a far cry from the $80 Million NBA contract he squandered. He had announced his deal on his social media. Porter Jr. donned his team’s jersey in the post but disabled comments. It’s important to note that the agreement with the Greek team is only for the remainder of the season, which ends in mid-May.

Kevin Porter Jr. reportedly signed with Greek team PAOK and started to plaGreece’sece’s Stoiximan Basket League in early April 2024. Apparently, his dhasn’tasn’t gone smoothly, as the plhasn’tasn’t played in games in quite some time. His prolonged exile and the difference in European basketball will make the transition difficult. Ultimatelywon’twon’t see him in an NBA jersey any time soon.

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